A clearing, forwarding and
logistics agency with
an expanding network
across the region is
helping approved clients by paying
import duties up front.
“We pay the duties up front
and invoice 15 days later,” says
Christian Tshiabutu, who heads
up the Zimbabwean operations
of Democratic Republic of Congo
(DRC)-based Nik
International and
Logistics.
The 15-day
grace period
gives time for
Zimbabwean
importers to
receive payment
for the goods
and to continue
trading in an
environment
where most
businesses are having to manage
their cash very carefully.
Nik, which provides cross-border
services in Zimbabwe, Zambia and
the DRC, has an office in Harare.
It helps exporters to Zimbabwe
and neighbouring countries by
billing once for all the fees incurred.
“Companies only pay in one
country and in one currency. They
are not billed
separately for
each border
crossing,” he says.
Nik agents
and offices are
available at all
the border posts
to keep the
freight moving,
and to forward
documentation
so that it arrives
before the vehicle.
Another of the services provided
by Nik is consulting to importers
and exporters.
“We are online to Zimra (the
Zimbabwean Revenue Authority)
and are notified of any changes or
amendments to the regulations as
soon as they are published,” he says.
Having operated in Zimbabwe
for more than four years, Tshiabutu
says Nik is optimistic about future
prospects for the country.
“The market has the potential to
grow.”
Nik’s Zimbabwean operations
are built around handling clearing,
forwarding and storage for two of
the country’s biggest importers, he
says.
Finding storage space in
Zimbabwe “is not a problem,” as
warehouses are available for hire on
both a long- and a short-term basis.
“You can get space on a daily rate,”
he says.
The company has its own secure
warehouse in the DRC, which is
being expanded to cater for growing
volumes.
INSERT & CAPTION
We are online to Zimra and
are notified of any changes
or amendments to the
regulations as soon as they
are published.
– Christian Tshiabutu
