The Ministry of Industry and Trade officially launched the pilot electronic certificate of origin (C/O) issuance system on May 14, part of efforts to enhance administrative reform and support exporters.

The system, available on the website www.ecosys.gov.vn, is a turning point in improving the business climate and administrative reform as the electronic process will promote transparency and minimise time and expenses, said Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh.

It is also considered an important step in implementing the ASEAN one-stop customs mechanism and Vietnam’s commitment to regional integration as neighbouring countries accelerate the formation of an ASEAN community.

The launch was prompted by Government Resolution 19/NQ-CP dated March 12, 2015 on improving the business environment and national competitiveness through 2016.

Data show that about 11,000 companies have registered to have C/Os issued online so far. As many as 449,353 C/Os were granted online in 2014, increasing from 274,562 certificates the previous year.

Other import and export procedures are expected to be made available online in the future.-VNA