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Lesson
A customs modernization project, aimed at reducing corruption, needs a holistic approach that combines technical, policy, and capacity-building elements. In this case, it is an integration of three interrelated components: (i) IT infrastructure, (ii) laws and procedures, and (iii) coordination among concerned agencies. The IT infrastructure is important in reducing direct, face-to-face interactions that provide opportunities for corruption. Customs laws and procedures, in line with international standards, could provide the institutional framework for a modernized business environment.

Project Number: 35376-033
Project Name: Customs Modernization Project
Report Date:
Lesson
The collection of baseline data should be given high priority. Efforts could have been exerted to ensure that baseline data were established during appraisal stage. Without measurable baseline values set up at appraisal stage, meaningful indicators should be carefully formulated to allow continuous monitoring for updates throughout project implementation. The project’s independent evaluation was hampered by the absence of these baseline indicators.

Project Number: 35376-033
Project Name: Customs Modernization Project
Report Date:
Lesson
A partnership between customs and the private sector should be a major thrust of a customs modernization project. Extra effort must be devoted to ensure proactive engagement with the private sector, particularly with the trading community. This could help ensure buy-in, improve the user-friendliness of the IT system, and facilitate public–private partnership in customs administration.

Project Number: 35376-033
Project Name: Customs Modernization Project
Report Date:
Lesson
The fast-changing nature of the IT environment requires that a project’s IT infrastructure (e.g., operating systems, core data processing applications, network, and telecommunications technologies) have enough flexibility in terms of compatibility, connectivity, and modularity to integrate with technology development. Hence, a customs modernization project must be planned so as to take into account the possible obsolescence of IT infrastructure in a shorter time period after a project’s completion than originally envisaged.

Project Number: 35376-033
Project Name: Customs Modernization Project
Report Date:
Lesson
Enterprise finance projects need to have a clear exit strategy at completion. The project had no clear strategy on how the Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) should be supported beyond the life of the project. The SBEC was left with a huge loan guarantee portfolio at the end of the project and no long-term means to sustain its operations.

Project Number: 33167-013, 33167-022
Project Name: Small Business Development Project
Report Date:
Lesson
Support for capacity building should be geared towards promoting the long-term sustainability of institutions. While technical assistance in the form of logistical support, advisory assistance (through consultant inputs), study tours, and training help to improve project capabilities, they do not necessarily address long-term sustainability of institutions.

Project Number: 33167-013, 33167-022
Project Name: Small Business Development Project
Report Date:
Lesson
Early identification of the constraints to implementation, and development of clear strategies to address these constraints would have made implementation more effective and efficient. The capacity constraints of implementing agencies were not clearly defined early on in implementation, especially the credit components. No clear strategies were developed to address constraints in the social and cultural environment and in market conditions that affect the policy component. As a result, the project suffered delays and the delivery of outputs and outcomes was significantly affected.

Project Number: 33167-013, 33167-022
Project Name: Small Business Development Project
Report Date:
Lesson
A project design based on a sound and thorough assessment of institutional constraints and market conditions would have ensured smoother implementation and improved loan performance. In the context of Samoa—where the financial market is relatively underdeveloped, the collateral framework is weak, and institutions have limited capacity—a more simple and focused project design would have been more appropriate.

Project Number: 33167-013, 33167-022
Project Name: Small Business Development Project
Report Date: