Monday Nov 25, 2024
Monday Nov 25, 2024
Friday, 13 September 2024 00:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) received 14 expressions from global players to implement a state-of-the-art, world-class Port Community System (PCS), a move that aims to jumpstart trade activities and improve ease-of-doing-business.
Sources said this unprecedented response from global players signifies that Sri Lanka is well on its path to making its presence felt in global trade.
The SLPA invited expressions of qualifications (EoQ) from interested parties to offer services in implementing the PCS. The EoQ was published after extensive studies and research carried out by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The ADB submitted the National Ports Master Plan outlining the need for technology interventions and recommendations have been outlined in the said report.
According to sources, EoQs have been received from players from leading port community systems technology services providers from countries such as India, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Germany, France, Singapore, China, and so on.
The interest shown by such international players, each bringing in successes from their respective implementations, coupled with the modernisation and digitalisation vision outlined by the Government and digital push provided by the SLPA, has set Sri Lanka on a path to reclaim its place in the international trade routes.
The proposed PCS will consolidate on a common platform and address key business processes across EXIM trade such as vessel call management, coordinating port activities, manage disparate stakeholders including Customs by providing them the right data and the right time, manage electronic payments, yard management, gate management, etc. This allows for the entire trade to utilise a common data source with common terminology; an aspect that allows harmonising data and processes. Most importantly, the proposed PCS is expected to provide an architecture that allows integrating evolving technology solutions and services across the EXIM ecosystem, sources added.
