MRA engage Chamber of Commerce on trade facilitation

The Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) has appealed to various stakeholders in the business supply chain to swiftly address challenges, mainly Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), that cross-border traders encounter when conducting their trade.

The remarks were made by Daisy Kambalame, CEO of the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) in Zomba during a round table meeting the Chamber organized with various stakeholders.

She hinted that Malawi cannot achieve any meaningful economic development if challenges that cross border traders face are not dealt with.

She then appealed to various Government departments like the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), Immigration, Malawi Police Service, Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) and the Cross Border Traders Association (CBTA) to ensure there is transparency and accountability when facilitating cross border trade.

‘’After this engagement, I would like to see change in the way cross border traders are treated at the border. I want you to ease burdensome and un reasonable inspection of goods,’’ she said, adding that such tendencies breed extortions that result in smuggling.

Speaking on behalf of MRA, Patrick Chisasa, Manager Customs Operations, assured participants that MRA is actively striving to address the concerns raised because the Authority has a Taxpayer Charter that guides officers on clearance timelines and application processes, among other things.

A total of 32 members from the MCCCI, the Malawi Police, Immigration, MRA and MBS attended the meeting.

BY VANESSA MKWATE