U.S. Helps Develop the Electronic Information System of the Licensing Chamber to Assist Businesses

The new Electronic Information System of the Licensing Chamber will help reduce administrative burdens on the private sector, streamline tax administration for the government, and decrease opportunities for corruption.  On January 15, 2009, U.S.  Ambassador Asif Chaudhry helped launch the new system developed with the support of the U.S.  Agency for International Development's Business Regulatory and Tax Administration Reform Project (USAID/BIZTAR). Speaking at the project opening ceremony, Ambassador Chaudhry said the tools provided by the project remove some bureaucratic barriers for private enterprise, making government more service-oriented, and enabling business to do its job of growing the economy. The sharing of electronic data and documents between public authorities and the Licensing Chamber will save businesses time and money.  By removing the necessity to obtain documents from different government offices, businesses will no longer need to interact face-to-face with all these different authorities.  Publishing the requirements for each license will provide transparency and accountability, motivating all parties involved to stay within the published guidelines.   The program also includes a "One Stop Shop" for licenses.  This will allow the electronic exchange of official documents between customers and the Licensing Chamber.  This, in turn, will save the Chamber and its clients' time and avoid the usual disadvantages associated with the flow of hard-copy documents.  The process will also save the Chamber resources used in providing information and counsel to the public, instead focusing efforts on the processing of information filed by applicants.   The general public may access the Electronic Licensing System through www.licentiere.gov.md where users can check the licenses of those business entities with which they would like to conduct business.  A Licensing Guide has been developed for types of activities that are regulated through licensing.  It includes information regarding licensing requirements, terms of validity, fees and other details. ------------------------------------------- The USAID/BIZTAR Project is funded by the United States Government through its principal foreign assistance agency, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).  The USAID/BIZTAR Project is part of the U.S.  Government's efforts to support broad-based economic growth, reduce poverty, create jobs and strengthen the market economy in Moldova.