The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation (BIS) officially launched the digital system BIS Online on Monday, September 14.
With the platform, the ministry aims to better track files, accelerate administrative processes and reduce paper use. According to the ministry, with the introduction of the system, BIS positions itself as Suriname’s first fully digital ministry.
Director of General Administration and Consular Affairs, Luziano Truideman, explained that files can be digitally traced through BIS Online. Employees can see where a file is located, its current status and who is responsible for further processing. The system is also intended to reduce the risk of documents being lost and to make various administrative processes more efficient.
Developed internally
BIS Online was developed internally by Ambassador Gilbert van Lierop, with support from the ICT department and feedback from ministry staff. According to Van Lierop, digital transformation requires not only the right technology. Leadership, employee engagement and the willingness to change existing work processes are also necessary, he said.
Minister Melvin Bouva placed the launch of the platform within the broader process of administrative renewal. The introduction of a Document Management System was one of the recommendations from a quick scan carried out after he took office, on the instructions of President Jennifer Simons.
Ministry cites substantial cost savings
Because BIS Online was developed using existing technology and licences within the ministry, the presented estimate indicates that at least US$100,000 in external development costs was saved. A comparable commercial system for around two hundred users would additionally cost at least US$36,000 per year. The ministry states that BIS Online can also be applied at other government agencies and can therefore contribute to the further digitalisation of the government.
Ambassador Van Lierop received a certificate of appreciation from Minister Bouva for his contribution to the development of the system. “BIS is Suriname’s first digital ministry. Let us ensure that it is not the last,” Bouva said at the official launch.
