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
