Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
ZIMBABWE’S trade facilitation roadmap is on track, with clearing agents reaping benefits from the modernised Beitbridge Border Post.
As opposed to the past where the clearing system faced challenges mainly due to congestion, modern facilities at the port of entry have eased business activities at Southern Africa’s busiest port of entry.
The chairperson of Zimbabwe Network of Customs and Excise Experts, Mr Weekmore Homera said, “As clearing agents, it is the positive results arising from the upgrading of the border post that has to a large extent created that positive sentiment in terms of efficiency regarding the clearance system. This makes our work easier on behalf of the importers and exporters.”
The improvement in the movement of human and road traffic at the border post has seen clearing agents unveil a code of conduct and ethics whose thrust is on compliance with global trade facilitation standards.
“Of late, there is concern as to whether the clearance system is in tandem with the best practices required under the World Trade Organisation (WTO). We have convened this meeting to agree on the way forward and, it was easy for all of our members to rubber stamp the entire process as they know its relevance and importance in sustaining operations,” added Mr Homera.
The role of clearing agents is to act on behalf of importers, exporters and manufacturers in the trade documentation systems.
