China will begin a comprehensive program of local E-ports this year and strive for accelerated progress in the construction of a unified information platform as well as the development and promotion of applied projects.
Local governments initiated the local E-port project and the Customs General Administration is the general contractor, with the participation of relevant central-government departments. At present, Customs has already signed cooperative agreements with the governments of Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Ningbo, Dalian, Shandong, Chongqing and Tianjin. Construction in Shenyang, Fujian s also under preparation.
The local E-port construction is an extension of the China National E-port project. In order to improve the local investment environment, increase regional competitive advantages, adapt to economic globalization and modern logistics development, and effectively solve the issues of local government informationization, many municipalities lobbied for the E-port project. Handling relevant government affairs with electronic and network tools, these local governments can provide "one stop services" for enterprises through "one window."
(Chinanews March 30, 2005)