His Excellency President of Customs Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa has signed a contract with the Singapore-based CrimsonLogic Company to implement the single window for trade system "OFOQ2". It is an advanced e-portal to manage various government procedures, including Blockchain technologies that promote the accuracy of digital customs transactions and protect the confidentiality of information with minimum human interference.
The "OFOQ2" comes within the strategy of the logistic services sector of the Kingdom of Bahrain that supports the priorities and programmes of the economic recovery plan, including the development of potential sectors, of which the logistics sector is one of them. The plan is part of the visions of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. It was approved by the Cabinet led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, with the aim to develop the economy and create promising opportunities for citizens to improve the competitiveness of the Kingdom of Bahrain and attract more investments.
The "OFOQ2" includes related services for stakeholders of ships, cargo and customs clearance agents, along with products' owners. It aims to achieve electronic integration and exchange of data between e-systems within the customs circle. The "OFOQ2" regulates appointment procedures, stops paperwork between the Customs Affairs and operating companies and uses the best smart solutions and artificial intelligence apps. Furthermore, it diversifies the service providing methods through mobile phones, Kiosks, Blockchain and many other privileges that serve all the system's beneficiaries.
The project's tender was announced in the first quarter of 2020 in cooperation with the Information and eGovernment Authority. It is in line with the government's strategy and the requirements of Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, which will achieve electronic integration through data exchange between customs-related e-systems, and providing all related e-services.
The "OFOQ2" includes many specialised programmes, such as the customs value, Customs Exemption System, Customs Restrictions System and Risks System that meet the latest successful international experiences, mainly because the company implementing the project is one of the significant specialised companies in the world.