A Bulawayo businessman has lamented the state of Zimbabwe’s borders, noting that the congestion and operational inefficiencies are a major barrier to trade and investment.
Quoted in Zimbabwean newspaper, The Financial Gazette, James Goddard, managing director for JR Goddard, raised his concerns at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce's annual Matabeleland Business Awards event.
"We need to realise that Zimbabwe is not an island. We need to compete on a global scale and we need to create an investment climate that is attractive to potential investors. Our border posts are too inefficient and cluttered and do not encourage the free flow of goods through our country," he reportedly said, adding that border inefficiency cost companies millions of dollars.
He said the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority's (ZRA) centralised declaration system, under which bill of entry documents were no longer processed at border posts, was not investor-friendly.
These are some of the issues raised:
• Instead of being processed at the border, documents are now being processed in Harare, Bulawayo and Masvingo.
• Cargo trucks often wait for clearance at the border for days resulting in importers and exporters accruing demurrage fees and other related charges.
• Businesses moving goods from outside the country are paying between US$250 and US$500 in demurrage fees for delays experienced at the border.
• Past the border posts (into Zimbabwe) there are significant delays caused by unnecessary police road blocks hindering the flow of commercial traffic within the borders.
Do you have a border post issue to report? Please e-mail adelem@nowmedia.co.za.
Businessman laments inefficiencies at Zim border posts
Comments | 0
© Now Media. This content is protected by copyright and may not be adapted or republished. If you would like to discuss cooperation opportunities, please contact: editor@freightnews.co.za.
