adminBrighton Gumbo
Business Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) will launch its integrated automation system on October 1 this year as it gears to shift from the manual customs clearing at the country’s ports of entry.The new approach will help curb corruption at the borders and restore quality service that will result in improved revenue collection.
Speaking during the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) and RBZ Computerised Export Payments Exchange Control System integration workshop in Bulawayo yesterday, Zimra regional manager in charge of customs and excise duty, Angeline Mashiri said the new approach would be a game changer in the customs business.
“The automation system is designed to discourage an interface platform between the customs officer and the clearing agents.
“This is good for the betterment of the country’s economy as manual customs clearing facilitated corruption,” she said.
“On September 26, a document will be released on the form of coding, which will confirm the certainty of integration on October 1.”
Mashiri said the new system will integrate Zimra and central bank operations.
She said integration was meant to curb customs data inconsistencies for management purposes and facilitate balance of trade.
“The most important reason is the turnaround times to manage the customs processes.
“This will facilitate an effective, efficient and user friendly integrated information and communication technology system that will assist in the facilitation of trade, travel and economic development,” said Mashiri.
She said the initiative was in line with the government’s e-governance and single window policy.
The Zimra boss said Zimbabwe was the only country that runs the Automated System for Customs Data in the world without donor funding.
“Zimbabwe joined the ASYCUDA in 1991 and was donor funded for that year and 1993. After that the government funded itself because it had been placed under sanctions and couldn’t access donor funds,” said Mashiri.
She said Zimra was rolling out a countrywide training programme on the use of the new automated system. Yesterday’s event was attended by the RBZ, customs services, clearance agencies and freight experts.
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