Border procedures are now streamlined

Editor, Allow me to commend the institutions working at Gatuna border post for a job well done. According to the recommendations of the EAC foreign affairs ministers in the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC), it was resolved that to have a simplified custom procedures through a better trade regime, a one stop border post, the implementation of Revenue Authorities Digital Data Exchange (RADDEX) and the opening of borders 24 hours, not later than 13th April 2010 starting with Gatuna/Katuna border. The simplified customs procedures, RADDEX and the one-stop border post were launched on the 19 March, while opening the Gatuna/Katuna border 24hours a day started on the1st April. My sincere thanks go to all the institutions working at the border, which did not resist these positive changes. Normally, some people resist change but the guys at the border did not resist implementing these recommendations. Now, at any time of the day you will find immigration officers, RRA officers, cheerful bank tellers at the Bank of Kigali Gatuna Branch, insurance companies like Sonarwa,Cogear,and Corar, Magerwa and Police offices busy working. Gone are the days when buses from Kampala and Kenya used to crowd at the border waiting for opening hours, thereby jeopardizing business. Gone are the days where business people used to suffer as they ran out of money, since Bank of Kigali is now there with all services needed including Western Union money transfer. Under the simplified trade regime businesspeople are issued a certificate of origin and for goods from EAC, not exceeding 500$ or whose 60% of raw materials originate from EAC member states are exempted from paying import duties. The Uganda Revenue Authority and the RRA are now able to share information on goods declared on both sides. The new initiatives are really enhancing business people’s experiences. Long live the Government of Rwanda, long live the EAC Simon Mugisha simomug@yahoo.com

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Border procedures are now streamlined