Levious Chiukira on Customs and Trade

    The direct trade participation of SMEs in developing countries is not in line with their importance at the domestic level. Compared to large firms, however, few SMEs export – direct exports representing just 3% of total SME manufacturing sales, compared to 14% for large enterprises (World Trade Organization, 2016). The process of exporting goods and services is a mammoth task which requires investments in human resources and capital. This has discouraged many SMEs. Those who choose to take up the risk are faced with non-tariff barriers (NTBs) starting from internal to regional level.   Trade facilitation is key for the success of SMEs exports and this should start at national level building up to the global. Trade facilitation looks at how procedures and controls governing the movement of goods across national borders can be improved to reduce associated cost burdens and maximize efficiency while safeguarding leg...

With the country faced with need grow revenue , resuscitation of the local industry and  to attract Foreign Direct investments (FDIs) there is need for a coordinated effort from all principal. One of the key regulatory bodies which can contribute to this realization is the customs administration, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA). The primary tasks of customs administrations relate to the movement of goods.  As the national gatekeeper it has bestowed with two keep functions which are collection of revenue and facilitating legal trade. The functions seem contradictory at face value but in actual fact their interconnectedness determines the capacity for a country to grow its industry and remain visible in the global trade arena.  History and geography combine to select and create border posts as convenient points at which to control the movement of goods and people, managing the interface between distinct national legislations and identities. Exporters and importers in Zim...