Single Window Systems
In the OIC Member States
90
5. Conclusion and Recommendations
At the end of 2016, 22 OIC Member States have an operational national Single Window and five
are implementing a Single Window project. This is a significant increase in number in six years.
At the beginning of 2010 only seven Single windows were operational. More OIC Member States
may launch Single Window projects in near future - six have already adopted a formal Single
Window plan/strategy and five have started discussions and exploratory work on the issue.
Single Windows are long-term, costly and complex reform initiatives. Deliverables and
objectives are achieved gradually rather than radically and projects therefore need to be
implemented with a long-term vision of continuous improvement. Not all Single Window
projects deliver on their expectations: Project costs explode; IT architecture can not adapt to
design changes and new technologies; a limited number of government agencies are integrated;
Procedures have not been simplified and re-engineered. Those are only few examples of the
challenges Single Window initiatives encounter.
This chapter presents the challenges faced by OIC Member States, policy options that can
influence the success of a Single Window initiative, and technical assistance needs of OIC
Member States.
5.1. Challenges and Policy Options
Successful Single Window initiatives depend on enabling conditions to be in place and
appropriate policy and management choices. For Single Windows to be effective, governments
have to be clear about the choices they make, and which policies and actions can influence a
successful Single Window delivery.
The surveys and case studies of this comparative assessment helped to better the challenges
faced by OIC Member States. The following challenges were identified: