WELLINGTON, New Zealand, June 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A joint border management system (JBMS) designed to significantly improve border processing for New Zealand traders and travellers, and to make border agencies more efficient, will be the result of a contract signed today by New Zealand Customs and information technology provider, IBM [NYSE: IBM].

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The JBMS brings together the two border processing systems previously run independently by Customs and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) - CusMod and Quantum respectively.

Last month's Budget announcement included a $75 million appropriation to cover the first stage of the system's development. Stage one will include what is called the Trade Single Window (TSW). Ultimately, TSW will enable exporters, importers and others involved in trade to complete all their border compliance requirements, online through a single point of electronic contact.

Customs Acting Comptroller, John Secker said JBMS was a major strategic asset for New Zealand.

"As well as meeting trade and industry requirements, it also serves our needs across border security, biosecurity, intelligence related to smuggling, and facilitating legitimate travel," he said.

"We are very pleased to be joined closely with MAF on this and JBMS will ensure we can have more effective and efficient linkages with other government agencies and with industry, to the benefit of New Zealand's economy and its security."

Mr. Secker said it was a large and complex project that would be very carefully managed. "We have already begun an ongoing process of consultation with industry and other government agencies to ensure that the system is as effective and beneficial as it can possibly. It's a huge opportunity for all of us."

It is anticipated that the JBMS will be built and implemented in two stages over a four year period.

MAF's Director-General Wayne McNee says the international border management environment is constantly evolving and agencies involved in border activities need to move with it.

"JBMS is part of that evolution and MAF is pleased to be working with Customs and IBM to ensure the needs of industry and government are met."

Kerrie McGrath, Managing Partner, IBM Global Business Services New Zealand, said IBM was very pleased to become the prime systems integrator to develop New Zealand's Joint Border Management System.

"We bring to this project our specialist expertise in risk and intelligence analytics, and our proven experience in customs and border management. This is combined with the consulting and delivery capabilities of our local team, and our partner Datacom."

     For more information Rowan McArthur, Communications Manager
     please contact:      Phone: +64 4 901 4699 | Mobile: +64 4 29 462 0317
                          Email: rowan.mccarthur@customs.govt.nz

Le Tran,
IBM Media Relations
Phone: +61-2 946 35181
Mobile: +61 406 314 516
e-mail: letran@au1.ibm.com

SOURCE IBM