An online system to process applications for export-import licences will be fully installed within the next three months, a minister said.
“We are preparing the e-licence system, which will allow online application without the need to come to the office. We have also received approval from Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC),” Dr Pwint San, deputy minister for commerce, said at a Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association (MGMA) conference.
Currently, the ministry’s website only provides information for the licence application process and applicants have to apply for licence at government offices in Yangon or Nay Pyi Taw.
‘E-licence’ application process is being carried out in parallel with the implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) system, which is due to be finalised by 2015 as per the agreements to establish a single market throughout the ASEAN region.
The Ministry of Commerce is also issuing Individual Trading Cards (ITC) at border trading posts allowing individual traders to officially export – a move expected to contribute to an increase in exports, U Win Myint, union minister for Commerce, said, adding that the government is working to stimulate value-added production.
Local traders say they welcome a fully functional online export-import licence application system. While the process for issuing licences is fast, a good inspection and value evaluation process takes a long time, they said.