Business in Zimbabwe is picking up and agents working at the border are reporting a more stable working environment than ever before. According to Lara Luis, Easyclear’s branch representative in Messina near the South Africa and Zimbabwe borders, the outlook for 2014 is extremely positive. “Agents working at the border had a very good 2013,” said Luis. “Trade seems to have picked up compared to the last couple of years and I think 2014 will be even better than 2013. Zimbabwe’s business environment has definitely stabilised in the past year.” Easyclear offers a fully integrated yet modular solution to the logistics supply chain, encompassing all facets of customs brokerage and forwarding, covering all modalities and declaration types. This includes the capacity to produce and communicate via EDI the manifest and customs declaration to South African Revenue Service (Sars), and the ability to integrate with third party software solutions within the supply chain and accounts functions of a client’s business. Luis said while dealing with customs in Zimbabwe remained challenging at times, major efforts were under way to improve the situation. “Sars also seems to be making headway in its dealings with Zimbabwe and has been working very closely with officials with regard to changes at the border post. These are all very positive developments and bode well for trade,” she said. INSERT & CAPTION Trade seems to have picked up compared to the last couple of years and I think 2014 will be even better than 2013. – Lara Luis
