Single Window Systems
In the OIC Member States
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5.2. Technical Cooperation Needs
Many governments rely on technical and financial assistance to implement Single Window
projects. In some cases, the development of the SW IT solution was entirely financed by a
development partner or a development bank—i.e. the EU in the case of Tajikistan, ADB in the
case of Kyrgyz Republic, and World Bank in the case of Cameroon and Burkina Faso. Technical
assistance also frequently takes the form of advice and capacity building and support the
preparatory work.
5.2.1. Technical Assistance Contributions
Single Windows are costly, lengthy and complex projects. Many Single Windows have reported
that they received technical assistance for the development of the SW, namely advice, capacity
building, and funding80.
Box 5: Contribution of Technical Assistance in the Kyrgyz Republic
In the Kyrgyz Republic, GIZ and USAID jointly conducted and drafted the SW feasibility study, a
matrix of requirements, and legal documents for the creation of the SW enterprise, and GIZ also
funded three study visits. An IT pilot system covering 6 agencies was financed by GIZ to help to
overcome doubts of the feasibility study. The technical assistance was not only useful in providing
expertise. It also helped building government support over a long period of time.
Preparatory Work
From the case studies it appears that technical assistance is mainly requested during the initial
phase in support of the preparatory work. Technical assistance contributes to feasibility studies,
the development of the Single Window strategy and IT strategy. Technical assistance can make
an important contribution during this phase as different technical expertise and knowledge of
other SW systems need to be pulled together.
The quality of the preparatory work can only be ensured if technical assistance only contributes
but does not run this process and in case of analysis and drafting procedures, is not operating
without involvement of the national project team. Strategies that are drafted by an external
consultant never reach the required level of buy-in andmay not adequately reflect the specificity
of the country.
Business process analysis and data analysis and harmonization are activities that are frequently
conducted by consultants contracted by development partners. A business process analysis is
necessary to develop the functional requirements and specifications and should ideally be done
in a comprehensive manner.
Data harmonization is based on a standardized approach and tools that can be easily sourced in
and the results can be translated into practice by a local team. Business process analysis is
80 Funding is no longer discussed as this is financial assistance