NAIROBI, Nov. 23 (Xinhua) -- Experts on Thursday called on Sub-Saharan Africa region to harmonize tariff administration systems at ports of entry in order to promote cross-border trade in goods and services.
The experts, policymakers and customs officials drawn from East and Southern African region who are meeting in Nairobi noted that disjointed policies and laws governing import duty were hurting the intra-Africa trade.
Erastus Mwencha, the vice chairman of African Union Commission, said streamlined custom procedures are key to stimulating cross-border trade and movement of skilled labor in the continent.
"The import tax administration in this continent should be simplified and harmonized to enhance inter-country trade. Improved cross border trade will promote economic growth and attract investments in emerging sectors like advanced manufacturing," Mwencha remarked.
He added that creation of a Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) will help address barriers to free movement of goods and services that include archaic tax legislation and dilapidated infrastructure.
"We are optimistic that investments in one stop common border posts, a robust IT system and transport corridors will boost intra-African trade and transform the economies," said Mwencha.
He said African countries have endorsed a broad framework to reform their custom protocols in the light of a rapid shift to borderless movement of goods and services as a means in order to address poverty and joblessness.
John Njiraini, the commissioner general of Kenya Revenue Authority said a modernized tariff regime will increase the volume of goods and services traded across the borders in Africa.
"Regrettably, Africa countries cannot trade with each other because of punitive import duties and inefficiencies at ports of entry. We must streamline custom procedures and invest in digital infrastructure to enhance clearance of goods at sea ports and border posts," said Njiraini.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) is building the capacity of Africa's revenue bodies to enhance their capacity to facilitate cross-border trade.
Larry Liza, the director of the Regional office of capacity building at WCO, said that investments in automation and skills upgrade among customs officials will boost intra-African trade.
