InterCommerce, Hakovo explore project to enhance cross-border data exchange

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InterCommerce Network Services, Inc. president Francis Norman Lopez (left) and HAKOVO chief executive officer Takayuki Akahodani during the virtual signing of their memorandum of understanding on September 13. Photo courtesy of HAKOVO.
  • InterCommerce Network Services and Singapore-based HAKOVO are exploring a project that would help strengthen cross-border document exchange in the Philippines
  • The companies signed a memorandum of understanding covering execution of a proof of concept of the market potential of HAKOVO’s “Smart Clear” system
  • Smart Clear is a Trade2Government app integrated with Customs administrations throughout Asia
  • The INS-HAKOVO project aims to digitize all import-related documents using AI technology to streamline customs clearance work and accelerate digital cross-border trade especially within ASEAN
  • The results will be presented to the Philippine government as a model for streamlining processes

InterCommerce Network Services, Inc. (INS) and Singapore-based HAKOVO have signed a memorandum of understanding for a project that aims to help strengthen cross-border document exchange in the Philippines.

The MOU covers the execution of a proof of concept (POC) of the market potential of HAKOVO’s “Smart Clear” system and application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in the Philippines.

Smart Clear is a Trade2Government app that may be integrated with Customs administrations throughout Asia. Smart Clear allows users to quickly receive digital data and supporting documents from exporting countries related to the preparation and processing of import declarations, including invoice, packing list and bill of lading.

The project aims to leverage HAKOVO’s technologies on post-import declaration to enhance automation of draft import declaration documents, HAKOVO said in a statement. All import-related documents will be digitized using AI technology to streamline customs clearance work and accelerate digital cross-border trade, especially within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

INS president Francis Norman Lopez said the conduct of POC will be completed in two to three months, with the results to be presented to the Philippine government as a model for streamlining processes.

Lopez said once Smart Clear is deployed in the Philippines, it will “ensure compliance to Customs clearance requirements, adding another step towards streamlining trade processes and complementing InterCommerce’s cross border initiatives.”

HAKOVO chief executive officer Takayuki Akahodani, for his part, said digital data exchange driven by AI and ML is a game-changer for customer experience improvement, and will generate a new digital foundation and achieve scalability and data security for the country.

HAKOVO in 2018 conducted a POC with Indonesia Customs, resulting in an MOU between HAKOVO and PT Electronic Data Interchange Indonesia (PTEDII) in 2019 for a partnership on cross-border document exchange.

Smart Clear is used in Indonesia through PTEDII’s online portal Trade2Government. Via Smart Clear, users receive accurate and compliant import declaration on the Trade2Gov electronic declaration and the supporting documents within one business day, allowing users to start processing the import declaration even before the vessel sets sail.

The web-based application is integrated with Indonesia’s national single window, and with exporting countries such as China and Singapore.

HAKOVO provides an international digital platform for simplifying cross-border trade. It digitally connects the world with ASEAN through its international digital platform—the Unified Customs Clearing House (uCCH), which enables data exchanges for import/export operations for China, Singapore, and Indonesia. HAKOVO is currently working to add Thailand and Japan to the uCCH network.

INS is an accredited service provider for Philippine government agencies such as, among others, the Bureau of Customs, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, Freeport Zones, and Department of Agriculture, and is a member of the Pan Asian eCommerce Alliance, collaborating on cross border initiatives. – Roumina Pablo