GAITHERSBURG, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 23, 2002--
GXS to Provide Technology for Project Intended to Expedite Freight Clearance for Importers and Exporters
GE Global eXchange Services (NYSE:GE), a leader in business-to-business Internet commerce, today announced that it has signed an agreement to provide e-commerce solutions for a new company being formed by the Government of Sri Lanka and BC Computers Ltd. Software and services from GE Global eXchange Services (GXS) will help Sri Lanka to facilitate electronic document interchange that expedites freight clearance for importers and exporters.
The $3 million eCommerce Gateway project is intended to help Sri Lanka improve competitiveness in providing fast track clearance for exporters and importers; enhance the country's positioning as a regional logistics hub through efficiencies in turn around time for Port, Customs, freight-forwarders and shipping lines; and revolutionize Sri Lanka's external trade cycle.
GXS will provide the technology infrastructure for the national eCommerce Gateway in conjunction with local counterpart BC Computers Ltd, which has been selected to implement the project. A new company, eServices Lanka (www.eserviceslanka.com) - a joint venture with the Government of Sri Lanka - is funded by the private sector and will operate the eCommerce Gateway.
According to a statement issued by the Sri Lanka Ministry of Commerce & Consumer Affairs, "GXS has an impressive track record of implementing similar projects in the region including in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Macao and Philippines, and is no stranger to Sri Lanka, having successfully implemented the ELVIS (Electronic Visa System) project for the National Textile Quota Board."
The eCommerce Gateway will use GXS's Enterprise System(TM) integration broker and Application Integrator(TM) data transformation software to facilitate document exchange over the Internet or private networks with 24x7 availability. The gateway will support internationally recognized electronic data interchange (EDI) formats such as EDIFACT, ANSI X12, VICS, TDCC and Odette.
"We commend the Government of Sri Lanka on its inauguration of the eCommerce Gateway project," said Steven Scala, vice president of marketing for GXS. "We are very excited to have a significant part in helping the nation of Sri Lanka increase its regional and global competitiveness through the implementation of e-commerce technology."
About BC Computers Ltd.
BC Computers Ltd., established in January 1982, is a subsidiary of the Bartleet Group, a diversified group of companies engaged in the fields of produce broking, stock broking, money broking, financial services, and information technology. BC Computers has a track record established over the past 20 years in implementing large scale projects in Banking, Finance, Trade and Networking.
About GE Global eXchange Services
GE Global eXchange Services (GXS) operates one of the largest B2B e-commerce networks in the world, with more than 100,000 trading partners. The network's 1 billion annual transactions account for $1 trillion in goods and services. With more than 35 years experience, GXS provides supply chain services and software to 60 percent of Fortune 500 companies.
GXS is headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md. Call (800) 560-4347 or visit our Web site at www.gxs.com.
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CONTACT:
GE Global eXchange Services, Gaithersburg
Jim Fowler, 301/340-5875