UPU: Ensuring universal e-commerce inclusion - easy export and import via the postal network

About

Trade facilitation concerns many segments of the postal network and related supply chain – physical services, financial services, electronic services – as well as links to customs, airlines, and security. A proper functioning of these sectors is key to a successful e-commerce development.

To respond to an increasing demand for e-commerce among MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises), the UPU is working with governments implementing policies to facilitate affordable and efficient exporting and importing using the national postal infrastructure. The UPU also provides support in legal, regulatory, and technical framework and sets the global postal strategy, regulations, and standards.

For whom

Decision makers

Policy makers

Law makers

Middle Managers

Researchers

Experts

Services offered

Building skills
Capacity Building
Capacity Development
Policy Support
Technical Assistance
Technical Support
Institutional building
Support to institutions
Training
Research
Policy dialogue
Postal
Logistics

Partners

International Organizations

UNCTAD
ITC
ITU

National agencies

National postal operators
National postal regulators
National postal ministries

Regional organizations

African Union
Restricted Unions of the UPU

Meet the beneficiaries

Achievements

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The UPU e-Commerce Guide is a set of practical recommendations for UPU members for the development of their own e-commerce capabilities and services for domestic, regional and cross-border markets.

It includes guidance on different aspects of e-business and customer – supplier chain such as:

Web hosting for e-shops ;
Payment ;
Logistics ;
Customer relationship management ;
Promotion channels, etc.

E-commerce webshops for Postal Operators

Through the capacity building activities of UPU, national postal operators in developing countries of Africa and Asia have been trained in the setup and operation of cloudbased secure e-commerce solutions under the .POST programme.

4 countries trained

Cambodia, Uruguay, Uganda, Tanzania

Next steps: launching ecommerce marketplaces for SME

Based on acquired expertise, with the programme extention, posts would be able to launch ecommerce marketplaces for SME, utilising the national postal infrastructure for affordable access to hosting, payment, logistics and delivery.

Success stories

Tunisian Post: succesful financial inclusion through mobile telephony

The Tunisian model was built step by step:

In 2000 – launch of e-DINAR

Launch of the electronic payment platform and the first electronic wallet in Tunisia. This platform enables the Post’s customers to make online purchases.

In 2008 – launch of e-DINAR SMART.

This product uses smart card technology, which offers clients greater versatility while ensuring the highest level of security. It is rechargeable (cash, transfer, mobile), multi-channel (Internet, ATM, point-of-payment terminal, mobile and multifunctional (transfer, payment, payment receipt).

In 2010 – launch of “M-DINAR POST”

The Tunisian Post developed its own mobile payment platform, offering a range of services based on mobile technology and leading to partnerships with telecom operators in the country.

Key success factors of Tunisian Post’s business model:

1. Mobile friendly in a low internet connectivity environment

For e-DINAR SMART cardholders, mobile transactions are very practical, since mobile phones are more widely accessible than the Internet in Tunisia.

2. Win-Win strategic partnerships

The model is based on a strategy that promotes partnerships in a win-win relationship. Services are developed and proposed by both partners. The Post sees mobile operators as a way to create a multiplier effect, using their capacity for promotion and marketing.

3. Customer support approach

The model promotes wider use of its financial services, while freeing up offices staff, moved thus to advisory roles.

4. Easy to access technology

Based on simple technology (USSD), accessible to everyone from any type of mobile phone.

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Peruvian Post: easy export to the world

With «Exporta fácil» solution, SERPOST S.A. provides to Peruvian exporters a unique range of services allowing an efficient and secure marketing of products at lower costs.

Key benefits of «Exporta fácil» services

Simplifying export logistics
Increasing foreign currency incomes thanks to export
Motivating factor for legalization
Fostering SME’s integration in world trade
Increasing number of target export markets per region

Decentralizing market makes export possible in any part of the country
Fostering export and internet use in the whole country
Developing e-commerce initiatives
Generating jobs and decreasing poverty

Ecuador post: expanding trade in Ecuador for MSMEs

Correos del Ecuador’s «Exporta Fácil» suite of solutions is geared to small and medium-sized enterprises wishing to use a simplified system to export their merchandise through the post. This will help streamline current export processes.

Key benefits of «Correos del Ecuador’s Exporta Fácil» services:

Increase in the number of MSMEs and their export activities
Increase of the international market to Ecuador’s handicrafts
Increase of trade agreements with neighboring countries like Peru and Colombia, and in the European Union.

Advertising of the service through communication media by institutions working jointly on the implementation and development of the service to provide information and attract new clients.
Provide support for non-traditional exports.