Process changes at BOI

In line with the automation process taking place at Sri Lanka Customs and the Sri Lanka  Ports Authority, the Board of Investment (BOI) to will implement new systems  to clients to  work on line, in respect of operations ,documents and payments for shipments.

The BOI will start the trade facilitation process changes from 15 May, once the customs export process is tested. The Customs will work in hand in hand to facilitate BOI clients with the ASYCUDA World online documentation system.

According to the CEO of the Shippers’ Academy (SA) Rohan Masakorala, these new processes will reduce the transaction cost of exporters and increases the process of clearing exports and imports with less work for companies. Over the last three to four months we have seen   good changes happening at customs and SLPA and now the BOI too is joining the effort. Sri Lanka should move towards a single window environment as soon as possible, this will be an added advantage to the country to position itself as the regional hub.

It is critical that companies too change their work patterns and need to train staff on the automation systems and adapt change, it is understood that in the case of customs export process automation, it is the trade that is slow to respond to the new changes at customs. BOI is expected to change procedures at export zones and documentation and also introduce e payment gateways to clients.

The shippers’ academy has, organised a workshop along with BOI officials and customs to educate BOI users and service providers and the trade on the processes that will be implemented from 15 May onwards. The workshop will be held on 3 May from 8.30a.m. to 12.30p.m. at the Sri Lanka Foundation (SLF) Colombo 7. Interested parties can contact the Shippers’ Academy on 0113560844 / 0773820703 or register online via www.shippersacademy.lk