malvernmugadzikwa
Business Writer, NewZiana
Corruption is one of the biggest non-tariff barriers that are making Zimbabwean products less competitive on the international markets and erodes investor confidence, an expert has
said.
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority commissioner general, Regina Chinamasa, said this during a breakfast meeting which her organisation co-hosted with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) recently.
Corruption also makes tourism products expensive, discouraging tourists from visiting the country.
The platform was created to generate constructive debate and ensure there was exchange of ideas on issues affecting both ZIMRA and the players in the tourism industry.
Zimbabwe is grappling with the scourge of corruption, which was allowed to fester under the First Republic, and is slowly winning the war after the arrest of several high profile figures, who previously were untouchable, sent a message to would be offenders.
“I call upon all of us to shun corruption, which has continued to eat into the moral fabric of our society,” Chinamasa said, adding Zimra had put in place several measures to curb the vice.
“These include the anti-corruption hotline that you can use to anonymously report corruption, as well as disciplining members of staff in accordance with the laws of the land and the Authority’s Code of Conduct.
“We are also running with the anti-corruption campaign under the hashtag #IamForZero and we urge you to also declare your sector as zero space for corruption,” she said.
Chinamasa, however, said fighting corruption was a collective effort by all stakeholders.
“Our efforts, however, can only be successful to the levels that we expect if we collaborate to fight this scourge. We have become what we are now because of you, your support, your constructive criticism, and your encouragement,” she said.
Zimra would continue to scan the regional and international economies to identify some best practices that would make the tourism sector competitive, she said.
“Building and fostering partnerships with our clients in the tourism industry and important stakeholders is one thing we will not take for granted, since the achievement of our mandate is anchored on strong
client and stakeholder engagement.
“We will collectively endeavour to build and sustain linkages and collaborations with the tourism sector, to enhance synergies among players in revenue generation and trade facilitation.
The growth of the tourism was in the best interest of Zimra since it was aware of the broad impact the sector had across the economy.
She said the government was availing a number of incentives and exemptions as part of stimulating growth and attracting investors in the sector, urging players to acquaint themselves with and utilise these.
New Ziana
Bongani Ndlovu