By Chancy Namadzunda:
Principal Secretary in the Ministry Trade and Industry, Christine Zakeyo has said the development of One Stop Border Posts (OSBP) across the borders of Malawi is one of the initiatives aimed at enhancing trade facilitation between Malawi and its trading partners including Zambia.
Zakeyo made the remarks in Lilongwe on Monday during media round table meeting on the soon to be operationalised Mchinji – Mwami One Stop Border Post (OSBP).
The round table discussion was aimed at creating awareness about the new (OSBP) and the benefits it brings to the country.
“This is one of the important components in the WTOs Agreement on Trade Facilitation that is aimed at overcoming the challenges associated with multiple stops that cross border traders encounter when crossing the borders, said Zakeyo
To maximize the full benefits of the facility, the secretary further urged farmers to be involved in value addition and the private sector particularly traders, to take advantage of the improvements at the border to export Malawian products to its trading partners including Zambia, DRC and Zimbabwe.
On his part, Malawi Revenue Authority Deputy Commissioner Responsible for Customs, Chimwemwe Kawalewale noted the impact on revenues that will be created by traders using the border post.
Efficiency of border operations is a significant contributor to the economy of a country. Efficiency gains will place Malawi as a key investment destination and thus promote economic competitiveness.
“Further, the presence of government agencies working together in a harmonized manner through simplified processes, use of modern infrastructure and facilities will also increase the level of security and order at our border points. This will consequently reduce the time spent at the border and trade turnover will increase significantly, he said
TMEA Malawi Programmes Manager Victor Mponda Banda noted the key role played by the media in creating awareness about the OSBP.
“The media play a critical role in educating and disseminating correct information to the business community particularly the exporters. Given the fact that Malawi is landlinked with associated border Non -Tarriff Barriers, and that the OSBP is the first one and new for Malawi, it goes without saying the need for increased awareness of the new facility. We look forward to the optimal use of the Mchinji Mwami OSBP out of the awareness developed by the media houses, said Banda
He also noted previous engagements that have been carried out in collaboration with the Ministry including the development of the OSBP Manual and Curriculum, the related training of border officials and sensitization activities including engagements with the local business community in Mchinji.
The Mchinji Mwami OSBP, which is the first of its kind in Malawi, is expected to usher in a new chapter in the trade relations between Malawi and the region by boosting the volume of trade passing across the country.
Further, increased efficiency in doing business, improved community cohesion and development, and the strengthening of relationships between Malawi and her neighbours is expected as a result of the OSBP. Supported by the strong ties and trade relations between Malawi and other countries in the COMESA -SADC regions, this will collectively accelerate socio-economic transformation in the country.
An OSBP uses simplified and harmonized legal and institutional framework, facilities, and associated coordinated procedures and processes that enable goods, people, and vehicles crossing a border, to stop only once in the country of entry. They undergo necessary regulatory controls in line with applicable regional and national laws to the adjoining state.
The Mchinji Mwami OSBP is an inter – governmental project implemented by partners from the integrated border management, that is, the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and Border Management Secretariat, jointly with the Government of Zambia and Government of Malawi border regulatory agencies.
The construction component of the Mchinji Mwami OSBP was supported funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) while funding from the United Kingdoms Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through TradeMark East Africa (TMEA), supported the Integrated Border Management component which included the development of the OSBP Procedures Manual, Curriculum, Training and the sensitization elements.
