The Council for the Development of Cambodia (CDC) on Thursday officially launched its National Single Window service.

The announcement was made at the Workshop on Procedures to Applying for Master List Online at the CDC.

The service provides an application system for goods imports via an information technology system.

CDC secretary-general Sok Chenda Sophea said: “I hope this system will bring many benefits to investors by reducing time and unnecessary expenses.”

He said the launch of the National Single Window is part of the government’s reform measures aimed at improving the business environment, increasing Cambodia’s competitiveness.

“It will make it easier for government ministries and institutions to strengthen data management and accuracy,” he said.

Chenda Sophea said 101 companies have created accounts with the CDC and have the right to apply for goods imports via the National Single Window to serve their investment projects.

However, he said, only 16 accounts have been used, most of them in the Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone.

Cambodia Chamber of Commerce Kith Meng said the private sector lauded the CDC’s introduction of the system.

“I think the system is a lot better because we don’t have to fill documents out in person – it can be done anywhere and anytime, which is an important factor in accelerating work.

“Cambodia needs to keep up with the progress of society. This is what investors want, it’s fast and does not take long to get approval,” Meng said.

The system will reduce import application times from the current 15 days to 10 days, Chenda Sophea noted.