Myanmar Automated Cargo Clearance System (MACCS) is being used at 13 ports and airports including Thilawa Special Economic Zone, but there are still inconveniences due to the use of documentation at some sections, said business people.

MACCS was launched on November 12, 2016 so as to ensure smooth and quick cargo clearance in export and import activities.

"Despite the use of MACCA, some sections still use both digital and physical process, causing some inconveniences. We should do fully online and paperless especially for payment services. Only then will trade activities be smooth," said Khaing Khaing Nwe, general secretary of Myanmar Garment Entrepreneurs Association during business talks between officials from the Customs Department and private businesspersons, state-run newspapers reported.

Kyaw Htin, director general of the Customs Department, said: "MACCS has yet to go fully online. There are still weaknesses in links with the banks for payment making. As trade increases, we need to expand manpower to open more checkpoints and dry ports. Currently, due to staff shortages, we are facing difficulties in our business transactions. We have submitted the matter to appoint more staff members."

Khaing Khaing Nwe also stressed the need to strengthen manpower to establish dry ports and bonded warehouses.

"As we are trying to improve border trade, the Customs Department is speeding up its functions. In this regard, service personnel must be sent everywhere. Training courses must be conducted for them. The most important thing is to increase manpower.

Myawady border trade camp started to use MACCS on June 5 this year.