Sms function helps fight non-tariff barriers

The introduction of an sms function has significantly improved the efficiency of the online system for reporting, monitoring and eliminating non-tariff barriers (NTBs) for trade in Comesa, EAC and SADC regional blocs. “The system has been developed from being only an online reporting system to include an sms function,” Barney Curtis, executive director of the Federation of East and Southern African Road Transport Associations (Fesarta), told FTW following a meeting of more than 90 delegates in Lusaka recently. “The southern African telephone number has already been established and is +2772949 2093,” said Curtis. “A complainant can now lodge an NTB simply by smsing it and the system will kick into action. An East African number still has to be sourced, but because it is quite difficult to do there is the possibility that Tanzania, which already has an NTB system, will provide a reporting number that can be used for the EAC reporting.” Delegates agreed that the sms function enhanced the system, allowing for complaints to be logged more quickly. NTBs remain among the biggest stumbling blocks for regional economic integration and effectively addressing these is crucial if Africa is to improve intra-regional trade. According to a spokesman for Trade Mark Southern Africa, which has been carrying the cost of the reporting system, significant progress has been made in addressing NTBs since the introduction of the system several years ago. To market and advertise it within the tripartite member countries a sticker system has now been proposed. “Stickers in different languages that explain the system will be affixed to customs halls, weighbridges, immigration etc,” said Curtis. “At the same time information CDs will be developed and distributed.” CAPTION Barney Curtis ... allowing for complaints to be logged more quickly.