ASYCUDA++ IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE Ó UNCTAD - SITE (V1.15) B.4 About this Appendix This Appendix is designed to assist the successful implementation of ASYCUDA by highlighting important areas and details that are sometimes overlooked.  It covers: - ·     UNCTAD’s objectives; ·     Trade Facilitation; ·     EDI; ·     Customs requirements; ·     Implementation strategies; ·     Project risks; ·     Relevant issues. Introduction UNCTAD,  the  United  Nations  Conference  on  Trade  and  Development,  was  set  up  by  the  United Nations General Assembly in 1964 and is mandated to promote international trade with a view to accelerating economic development. UNCTAD’s SITE Division has over ten years experience in the development and implementation of Customs   computer   systems,   in   more   than   60   countries.   UNCTAD’s   most   recent   Customs automatic data processing system is ASYCUDA++. Many countries, in seeking to develop their economies through increased trade recognise that the lack  of  accurate  trade  statistics  is  a  major  obstacle.  Also,  in  a  large  number  of  countries  the collection  of  Customs  duties  or  taxes  is  relied  on  to  provide  the  major  proportion  of  the  national revenue.  The  introduction  of  computers  and  automated  Customs  systems  can  provide  a  solution and   is   often   seen   as   an   attractive   option.   This   is   frequently   with   the   encouragement   of   the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. In  practice,  technology  only  provides  part  of  the  solution.  Many  of  the  existing  problems  lie  with inefficient and cumbersome Customs procedures and documentary requirements. In undertaking ASYCUDA implementations UNCTAD seeks to introduce not only new procedures and   concepts   but   also   new   management   techniques   and   new   ways   of   thinking   for   all   staff throughout National Customs administrations. The  implementation  strategy  for  the  project  provides  the  framework  for  planning  these  changes within the country. This paper is  not in itself a Project Implementation Strategy. A realistic strategy for a country can only be drawn up after careful consideration of the issues, priorities and options relevant  to  that  country.  However,  rarely  are  such  issues  or  problems  truly  unique,  and  for  that reason, this Appendix is intended as a reference source and guide to the project team in drafting their  own  strategy.  It  covers  a  number  of  implementation  issues  that  will  be  immediately  relevant and it brings together some of the experiences and advice from other project teams. UNCTAD’s Objectives UNCTAD’s  objective  is  simply  that  the  country  obtains  the  maximum  possible  benefit  from  the implementation   of   ASYCUDA.   These   benefits   are   in   terms   of   meeting   their   own   National Objectives,   as   well   providing   a   national   contribution   to   the   International   objectives   of   Trade Facilitation through  harmonisation, standardisation and simplification.