adminWimbainashe Zhakata and Sharon Chigeza
CUSTOMS officials have been urged to enhance efficacy and effectiveness in customs administration and contribute to the growth of the economy. Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Monica Mutsvangwa made the remarks in a speech read on her behalf by director for provincial affairs in her office Mr Kennedy Mugarisanwa during International Customs Day commemorations held in Mutare last Friday.
“My message to customs officials is that Zimbabwe would be a better country when all of you continue to enhance your efficacy and efficiency with customs regulating organisations such as Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (zimra) must also play significant roles as contributors to the growth of the economy.
“Let me remind you that the role played by customs in combating fraudulent activities and safeguarding the interests of the nation cannot be underestimated,” she said.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Willard Manungo, who was guest of honour reminded the gathering of President Mnangagwa’s inauguration speech in which he expounded on Zimbabwe’s Economic Policy and the economic direction, which the country should take going forward.
“One of the notable pronouncements by His Excellency was the desire to reach out and reaffirm our mutual oneness with all nations, and hence, also rebuilding our relations with those countries with which our relations had been strained in the past,” he said.
Mr Manungo said looking at the 2018 commemorations theme — “Secure business environment for economic development”— there were three things to worry about in terms of a secure business environment, an enabling environment, a safe environment and a fair sustainable environment.
“It is my humble submission that making the business environment more stable and predictable will enable business to thrive better since decision making processes will be easier,” he said.
zimra acting commissioner general, Mr Happias Kuzvinzwa also revealed how the authority’s deployment of the e-Service portal had ushered in a lot of business convenience, as people can apply for tax clearance from any part of the globe. He said the use of ICT products and systems such as scanners at ports of entry contributed to smooth trade and travel.
“Other factors such as the use of ICT products and systems, such as scanners at ports of entry and exit, cargo tracking devices, online systems and other innovative products contribute immensely to smooth trade and travel,” he said.
He explained how the rolling out of the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) World, for instance, had enabled clients to submit Bills of Entry online from anywhere in the world, such that they were not obliged to be in certain areas to make their transactions.
This year’s International Customs Day theme focused on security in business operations, which is a key factor in promoting thriving economies, said Mr Kuzvinzwa.
To curb fraud and promote security, zimra has also successfully rolled out an Electronic Cargo Tracking System.
The system uses modern electronic sealing devices, which are put on transit cargo at the port of entry and disarmed at the port of exit.
Mr Kuzvinzwa said zimra did not tolerate corruption and was there to promote safety and economic progress.
“As zimra we have zero tolerance to corruption and we have made rigorous efforts to deal with this evil, not only to promote safety, but also economic progression in our continent,” he said.
The International Customs Day is commemorated each year on January 26, under the auspices of the World Customs Organisation (WCO).
On this day, the Customs fraternity reflects on its important national and international functions and the symbiotic relationships among various players.
Online Reporter