MRA discusses trade facilitation with exporters
Exporters and other players in the sector gathered on Thursday, July 20 2017, in Blantyre to discuss with the Malawi Revenue Authority new developments and needs that require attention.
Among the participants at the workshop were representatives from commercial banks, the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI), Ministry of Industry and Trade, Auction Holdings Commodities Exchange (AHCX) Blantyre Agricultural Development Division, Sable Farming, clearing agents, Nampak and Blantyre Netting Company.
Speaking when he officially opened the workshop, MRA Commissioner General Mr. Tom Gray Malata emphasised the Authority’s commitment to effectively undertake its mandate in trade facilitation.
“We are there to see to it that there is smooth service delivery to all taxpayers. In this context, MRA has now created a fully-fledged Department of Exports which is under the Customs & Excise Division. We have established this office with a view to serve you, our distinguished exporters and clearing agents, much better than before.
“The Government’s overall objective is to transform the country’s economic landscape by moving away from being a predominantly consuming and importing country to a producing and exporting nation. Through the Exports Department, we feel we will effectively facilitate international and intra-regional trade by providing vital information, knowledge and guidance to our exporters,” the Commissioner General said.
He added that effective facilitation of goods exports will lead to sustained returns for exporters and earn the local economy the much needed foreign exchange to Malawi.
“If we realize more forex, the country will create more employment. We as a Revenue Authority will also be able to collect more revenue through Pay As You Earn (PAYE), corporate tax and others that will enable the Government to accomplish its development agenda,” he said.
In his welcome remarks, the Commissioner Customs and Excise, Mr Fatch Valeta assured the exports sector that MRA has officers assigned in our stations across Malawi to provide necessary service.
In his contribution, MCCCI’s Hope Chavula called for intensified sensitisation regarding Government requirements on exports to enlighten more local producers while at the same time lure new players to the sector and save unnecessary losses to the economy.
The workshop discussed issues relating to trade agreements that Malawi has with other countries beneficial to the exports sector; better ways of which the financial industry should handle proceeds from exports; legal requirement that exporters must fulfil in their transactions including opportunities that small producers can access from companies such as the Auction Holdings Commodities Exchange and Export Development Fund.
By Henry Mchazime
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