Reforming and Developing China’s Port Sector
TABLE 2.5
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71
Information and communication technology systems in major ports of China
PORT
SYSTEM
FEATURES
Dalian
Dalian Port and Waterway Community System
Fast and accurate information about shipping services, berth assignments, import manifests, and other documents, as well as forwarding, electronic payment, and settlement services for logistics customers such as shipping companies or agents, transport fleets, and cargo agents
Tianjin
Port Logistics Integrated Service Platform
One-stop online processing of booking space, multimodal transport, distribution, cargo tracking, payment, and settlement, and a unified window for the external services of various port businesses
Qingdao
Port Logistics Electronic Commerce Service System
One-stop logistics solution and online business operation platform, setting service standards across the logistics network
Shanghai
River-Sea Combined Transportation Integrated Service Platform
Unified online cargo acceptance, job progress inquiry, information inquiry, evaluation, complaint management, and other functions
NingboZhoushan
Port Logistics Information Platform
Integration of various business platforms, including inland port resources, container transportation network, and value-added logistics services inside and outside the port
Xiamen
Intelligent Collection and Distribution Coordination Platform
Integration and information sharing for all logistics entities in the port related to customer bookings, trailer commissions, container pickups, special-area entry declarations, inspection reservations, entry to the port, and other logistics services
Guangzhou
Port Logistics Online Business Hall
Online business processing, payment settlements, and other customer services, with paperless processing in a one-stop system
Shenzhen
Port Unified Customer Service Platform
Information sharing and operational coordination among enterprises to improve the efficiency of port operations and reduce operating costs
Source: China Waterborne Transport Research Institute (WTI).
launched to develop the National Customs Clearance Management System (initially called H883), which aimed to automate many of the trade processing procedures of the national customs authority, the General Administration of Customs. The system gradually replaced many manual operations with computerized trade processing for procedures such as vehicle monitoring, trade-related certificate verification, trade management, license management, and tariff exemption. In 1998, the General Administration of Customs began exploring an interagency verification system for joint monitoring of trade-related supply chains. This system would form the core application of a new system called E-port, which served as the basis for the creation of a nationwide integrated single- window environment. A first step involved the development of a high-level design layout, based on the E-port platforms. This step was followed by the implementation of functions related to port regulation, integrating s ystems from businesses and cross-border regulatory agencies at the central level (Wu 2011). The third stage expanded on functions related to port services at a business-to-business level. The last stage, still in progress, involves actively promoting single-window cooperation at the transboundary level, connecting with other nations’ trade facilitation tools. China’s national single window, which meets relevant standards established by the World Consumer Protection Organization and the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business, connects with the business systems of 25 cross-border regulatory agencies at the central level and promotes information sharing among them. Applicants can gain access to the single- window system at a single entry point and submit standardized documents and electronic information that meet the requirements of cross-border regulatory
