adminsaid by Zimbabwe Revenue Authority Commissioner for Customs and Excise Mr Happias Kuzvinzwa in his opening remarks during the bi-annual Regional Training Centre meeting hosted by Zimra in Harare last week.
The meeting was organised by the Regional Office for Capacity Building under the auspices of the World Customs Organisation – East and Southern Africa Region
“Zimbabwe is privileged to be hosting this crucial meeting which comes at a time our country is undergoing economic revival and rebuilding,” said Mr Kuzvinzwa. The meeting, attended by representatives of training centres in Kenya, South Africa and Zimbabwe, reviewed action plans and the development of a strategy for the training advisory group.
Delegates also reviewed co-operation within regional economic communities and the next steps to be taken in strengthening the WCO e-learning portal.
The Director for the Regional Office for Capacity Building, Mr John Bisonga, and the Learning and Development Manager in the WCO Capacity Building Directorate, Ms Beneditte Meille also attended the meeting.
The World Customs Organisation is an umbrella body for Customs administrations worldwide.
Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, the organisation’s mission it is to facilitate trade and travel.
Zimbabwe has proven to be a host of choice for regional and international conferences hence providing an impetus to the growth of the tourism industry.
These international conferences that bring together delegates from all over the world assist in showcasing the country as a safe tourist destination.
In 2009, Zimra hosted the esteemed WCO’s Regional Steering Group Meeting and the Governing Council Meeting, which was graced by WCO secretary-general Mr Kunio Mikuriya.
This was followed by several meetings for the Southern Africa Development Community and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa.
A WCO post-clearance audit workshop will be held in the country in October this year.
The country also hosted the Sadc’s Sub-Committee on Customs Co-operation and the Strategy and Policy Advisory Group meetings.
In addition, the Comesa and the African Union have held successful meetings in Zimbabwe on the harmonisation of Customs transit procedures and management.
Online Reporter