Government has committed to support the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) in its fight against revenue leakages.
Speaking at the Zimra Customs Care Day themed Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity, acting chief director of International Cooperation, Tax and Financial Sector Policy, Margiretta Makuwaza, expressed government's commitment to supporting the authority with equipment to enhance its efficiency.
“Government will continue to provide overall support to Zimra to acquire the latest tools, equipment and technology to further boost our fight against the trafficking of illicit drugs,” she said.
Makuwaza called on the customs authorities to collaborate with local businesses to promote a vibrant economic landscape.
“Customs must work collaboratively with local businesses to ensure that our procedures are accessible and conducive to trade.
“By simplifying customs processes and providing support, we can lower barriers to entry for new enterprises and promote a vibrant economic landscape,” she said.
Makuwaza acknowledged the work done by Zimra, saying it helps the government to fund critical projects through revenue collection.
“As the agency responsible for collecting over 95% of national revenues, Zimra is at the forefront of ensuring that our government has the resources needed to fund critical social programmes, infrastructural development and economic activities.
- Students develop mobile app to support SRHR learning
- Cops arrested for conning ICT perm sec
- Hwange communities tackle human-wildlife conflicts, crime
- Students develop mobile app to support SRHR learning
Keep Reading
“Customs authorities are the first line of defence in protecting our borders. We must actively combat the movement of illicit goods and ensure that our trade routes are secure,” she said.
Meanwhile, Zimra commissioner general Regina Chinamasa said the authority had installed automated systems aimed at reducing corruption and improving efficiency.
“The reason we are here is to recognise the role that customs officials play in the international movement of goods across nations.
“We are happy that we are implementing initiatives to demonstrate our commitment to efficiency, to securing our borders, and to supporting the economic growth and development of this great nation, Zimbabwe.
“From an efficiency perspective, we have put in place automation of our customs systems. We still have some manual processes, but this year we aim to automate these to bring about efficiency in our processes while mitigating corruption, because where there is human interface, there is a likelihood of collusion and corruption.
“This automation drive and elimination of manual processes are measures we are implementing to enhance efficiency and root out corruption.”
She said the authority had also put in place technology to assist in enforcement work including drones at ports of entry.
