Walvis Bay Corridor Group calls for utilisation of a pre-clearance system
The Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) implores operators to make use of the pre-clearance system to avoid congestion of trucks at borders. This call was made during a stakeholders engagement WBCG had with the transport and logistics sectors as a result of the recent congestions arising from delays in truck crossings at the Katima Mulilo […] The post Walvis Bay Corridor Group calls for utilisation of a pre-clearance system appeared first on The Namibian.
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The Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) implores operators to make use of the pre-clearance system to avoid congestion of trucks at borders.
This call was made during a stakeholders engagement WBCG had with the transport and logistics sectors as a result of the recent congestions arising from delays in truck crossings at the Katima Mulilo border post.
WBCG spokesperson Obrien Simasiku on Thursday said the meeting revealed that these congestion caused an increase in cargo transit times and demurrage charges, resulting in raising operational costs on our corridor.
He added that among the identified causes of the congestion is the reluctance to utilise the pre-clearing system by some operators, which then puts pressure at the border.
“Long queues are observed at borders as a result, as many documents are being processed. However, this is something that can be avoided if pre-clearance were fully utilised by all. The stakeholders emphasised the need for practical interventions that align policies with operational realities on the part of the Namibia Revenue Agency, while also acknowledging their commitment to improving customs processes and enhancing collaboration,” he said.
WBCG acting chief executive Edward Shivute says they acknowledge that there are issues beyond the pre-clearance requirements that are associated with supporting border agencies.
“Therefore, we encourage all stakeholders to strengthen coordination and align their processes to improve efficiency and eliminate non-tariff barriers that may impede trade.
“While every new process comes with initial challenges, it is important that we work together to ensure that trade continues to move efficiently. One of the sustainable solutions to reducing congestion and improving border efficiency is the implementation of One-Stop Border Posts. Positive results are already being seen through the successful 24-hour operations at the Katima Mulilo Border Post,” says Shivute.
Shuvute adds that it is imperative for these challenges to be addressed because they have the potential to affect the competitiveness and efficiency of the Walvis Bay—Ndola—Lubumbashi Development Corridor (WBNLDC).
“The WBNLDC is one of the region’s most strategic and high-performing trade corridors. Therefore, it is essential that we work collectively to ensure that regional trade and supply chains continue to operate seamlessly.
“Factors that inadvertently increase the cost of doing business along our corridors warrant timely attention, constructive engagement, and practical solutions to safeguard the corridor’s competitiveness and support sustainable regional economic growth,” he says.
The post Walvis Bay Corridor Group calls for utilisation of a pre-clearance system appeared first on The Namibian.
