CBAZ calls for import policy review

border traders.
Speaking on the sidelines of a launch of the association’s partnership with Kingdom Bank in Harare, CBAZ president Mr Killer Zivhu said one of the critical challenges facing cross-borders were the limitations in terms of the quantities of goods they could bring into the country.
Other large importers could bring in big quantities in containers which most of the small traders could not afford.
“The situation at our border post largely benefits foreigners because they bring in containers of goods, while our small traders are only allowed two to three items per transition.
“This is driving up the cost of doing business for our cross-border traders who are forced to increase their travelling frequency to bring adequate stock. This also increases their exposure to accidents,” he said.
Added Mr Zivhu: “A parliamentary portfolio committee was tasked to look into that situation; however, we are yet to receive feedback from them.”
The CBAZ leader also called upon the Government to specify time periods for public transport as a mechanism to reduce carnage on the country’s roads since most accidents were occurring during the night when cross-border transporters were most frequent.
“There should be a specified timeframe for public transport, because these transporters, mainly foreign buses, tend to speed at night when there are no police on the roads.
“This is placing the lives of cross-border traders and the general public at risk.
“The Government can take a leaf out of the Zambian case where buses are no longer allowed to travel at night,” he said.
The CBAZ is seeking to improve the operating environment for cross-border traders as it is actively engaging a number of private firms on strategic alliances.
Some of these companies include Moonlight Funeral Services, Kingdom Bank and Happy Travellers.
Mr Zivhu said the association was in the process of establishing partnerships with other firms, including a construction company to build houses for its members, a medical aid society for the medical aid services and the development of a pension fund that will specifically cater for CBAZ members.
Meanwhile, the launch of the CBAZ-Kingdom Bank partnership, which saw the introduction of a branded cell card, was the second such event in as many weeks after the initial launch in Bulawayo.
Addressing members at the event, Kingdom Bank head of virtual banking Mr Timothy Chikomo said the product was expected to bring solutions to a number of financial services challenges that cross-border traders faced.
“This cell card will give executive privilege to informal traders, including mobile and virtual banking. Virtual banking is currently accessible for those with Telecel lines, while those on other networks can access SMS notifications.
“In terms of this cell card service we have reduced the bank charges from US$5 to US$1,30 a month,” he said.
In addition, under the new card, withdrawal charges will be reduced to 0,75 percent instead of the usual 2 percent.
Cross-border traders are also entitled to encash or deposit their Value-Added Tax refund cheques from South Africa.