Customs procedures are being examined in a time-release study to identify issues that can affect Cambodia’s trade competitiveness. According to experts, the study is an important tool to improve the Kingdom’s investment climate.

“As trade facilitation has become prioritised, a time-release study has become necessary and is a best-practice tool,” said Pen Simam, delegate of the Royal government in charge of the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE).

“It’s objective is to look in detail at each step of any procedure and process to identify bottlenecks in the import and export clearance procedure.”

The study will be conducted and organised by the GDCE with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Customer Organisation. Results are expected in May.

Peter Brimble, ADB’s deputy country director, said the free flow of goods is a core element in realising the ASEAN Economic Community and important in enhancing Cambodia’s economic capabilities.

“I am sure this study will pave the way towards the increased competitiveness of Cambodian business,” he said.

Kim Savuth, president of The Federation of Cambodian Rice Exporters, said the initiative would enhance the country’s trade sector. He added the customs documentation process in the rice export industry is good, but “the scanning procedure [of export containers] is wasting time and money, which eventually affects our export competitiveness,” he said.

“We think this should apply on import goods but not export goods.”