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Zimbabwe Experience on Transit by Anna Mutombodzi Zimbabwe Customs. Background. Zimbabwe one of the 31 developing countries Shares borders with 4 countries, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Botswana Geographical fate: completely landlocked. Background. REGIONAL INTEGRATION AGENDA.
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Zimbabwe Experience on TransitbyAnna MutombodziZimbabwe Customs
Background • Zimbabwe one of the 31 developing countries • Shares borders with 4 countries, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Botswana • Geographical fate: completely landlocked
REGIONAL INTEGRATION AGENDA • Member of two regional economic groupings: COMESA and SADC • As the two move towards creation of Customs Unions – imperative that Zimbabwe facilitates transit trade • Implementation challenges of belonging to more than one economic groupings
Challenges • Major transit routes: six different entry and exit points • Different guarantee requirements • Different documentation, procedures and regulations • Poor road infrastructure • Poor communication between Zimbabwe and other countries of transit
Challenges • Cargo tracking non existent • Physical Examinations • Transit frauds • Call on guarantees extremely difficult • Lack of Mutual Cooperation between countries • Need for private/public sector partnership
Initiatives Implored by Zimbabwe • Zimbabwe using Asycuda ++ and Customs offices on Wide Area Network • Implemented the (MODTRS) in Asycuda • Introduced non – intrusive scanning equipment • Moving on to Asycuda world
Regional Initiatives • Zimbabwe has participated in building instruments in both COMESA and SADC transit models • Both models advocate for a single through bond guarantee • Single Administrative Document • Simplified and harmonized procedures • Use of corridor approach
Regional Initiatives • Zimbabwe has participated in the piloting of the SADC model • Other countries involved are Mozambique, South Africa and Malawi • Successes have been recorded regarding reduced turnaround times, reduced costs, use of a single administrative document
Regional Initiatives • Challenges encountered are that the countries in the corridor use different automated systems • Automated Systems are not interfaced • Language barrier • Still to pilot the COMESA model
Recommendations • Adoption of a single administrative document • Single through bond/guarantee • Interface ICT systems • Harmonize procedures • Improve communication among countries along corridors
Recommendations • Share use of scanning equipment and images • Improve on public and private sector partnership