Vocabulary Notes on the Text. Read and translate the text

Read and translate the text

Pre-reading exercise

Unit 2

1. What is operational software?

2. Do you think that automation of customs procedures can be a tool to help ensure transparency in Customs' practices?

3. Whose experience in automation of customs procedures can be helpful?

Development of the operational software for the Automated System of Preliminary Cargo Clearance remains a major goal of CLEAR-PAC. Once developed and implemented, this system will provide a unique tool that will connect in a paperless environment the key participants responsible for clearing cargo in Russia, namely: Russian Customs brokers, Customs and federal certifying agencies and thus will allow to significantly expedite the clearance process.

The past years have witnessed considerable progress towards achieving this goal. Russian Customs officials emphasized on numerous occasions during the last year that they see automation of customs procedures as a tool to help ensure transparency in Customs' practices. Automation is also recognized as one of the prerequisites for Russia's integration into the global market.

In the fall of last year, CLEAR-PAC completed the development of the Technical Assignment, or the blueprint, outlining specifications and design of the future Automated System of Preliminary Electronic Cargo Clearance. After approval of the Technical Assignment by Far East Customs, it was submitted for approval to State Customs Committee and was subsequently approved by the Office of Information and Technology of State Customs Committee.

Following the approval of the Technical Assignment, CLEAR-PAC entered in a contract with a Vladivostok-based software development company, Computer Technologies, to develop the software for this system. This software developer was also involved in creating the Technical Assignment and has a two-year history working on the CLEAR-PAC project.

Russian Customs officials say that, in their efforts to develop the Automated System, they continue to enjoy valuable guidance from U.S. Customs Service, particularly from the Office of Information and Technology, and they rely on U.S. Customs' vast experience in automation of customs procedures.

operational software	оперативное программное обеспечение, программные средства
certifying agencies	проверяющие, дающие официальное разрешение органы
to achieve a goal	добиться цели
to ensure transparency	обеспечивать, гарантировать прозрачность (законность)
blueprint	план, проект, программа
to submit smth for approval	представить что-л. на рассмотрение
to enter into a contract	заключать договор
to enjoy guidance	пользоваться руководством, консультативной помощью

Дата добавления: 2014-12-29