The Ministry of Trade and Industry on June 20th, 2023 executed a contract with SOGET, for Consulting Services for the Implementation, Maintenance and Support of a Port Community System for Trinidad and Tobago. SOGET is a leading Port Community System (PCS) operator in France and a global leader in the development of Port Community Systems.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mrs. Ayleen Alleyne-Ovid signed the contract on behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and Mr. Herve Cornede, Chief Executive Officer, on behalf of SOGET, in the amount of USD 9.8 Million. The PCS project is estimated to be implemented over the course of 24 months at the major air and sea ports and will enhance Trinidad and Tobago’s trade efficiency and port logistics.
A PCS is a neutral electronic platform that connects the border clearance IT systems used by various stakeholders such as ASYCUDA used by the Customs and Excise Division, NAVIS used by the Ports and TTBizLink platform utilized by the Ministry of Trade and Industry and other border clearance agencies. The PCS will facilitate the intelligent and secure exchange of information along the supply chain and will allow for automation, management and optimization of port logistics processes through the single submission of data. The PCS will help to increase speed, predictability and reliability in processes at the ports of entry and exit and reduce cost for the clearance, movement and storage of goods. Some of the key modules to be implemented under this contract are the Management and Administration Functionality Module, the Maritime Transport Module, Port Operations Functionality Module and the Road Transport Module.
Additionally, the PCS will increase transparency and traceability in the clearance, movement and storage of goods across the supply chain. Trinidad and Tobago’s Port Community System will usher in a new era of trade facilitation, automation, and supply chain optimization. Stakeholders for this project include the port authorities, international shipping lines, freight forwarders, customs brokers, hauliers, importers and exporters doing business in Trinidad and Tobago. By streamlining processes and minimizing inefficiencies, the PCS will significantly reduce lead times, mitigate bottlenecks, and enhance the attractiveness of the Ports of Trinidad and Tobago.
Senator the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry expressed enthusiasm for the transformative impact the Port Community System will have on Trinidad and Tobago. She acknowledged the support and cooperation required from all stakeholders. To ensure the success of this project, training programs, workshops, and extensive support will be provided to familiarize users with the system and maximize its utilization.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry remains committed to advancing Trinidad and Tobago’s trade facilitation capabilities and promoting economic growth. The implementation of the Port Community System represents another significant step toward achieving these objectives.
