Clearing agents launch five year plan

THE Association of Customs Clearing and Forwarding Agencies (ADR), has launched a five year strategic plan with the focus of improving their work efficiency. During the launch in Kigali, the chairman of the association, John Bosco Rusangira, said that based on the current challenges the industry is facing, the strategic plan will also focus on empowering freight forwarders through providing information as well as addressing non tariff barriers.He said that there is need for members’ commitment to ensure that the association goes by the strategic plan.“The liberalization of our sector means we now have to compete with multinational shipping lines, which are really strong. To survive, we must also have to improve our performance the best way we know,” said Rusangira.He told members that there is need to offer competitive services and to be able to adapt to changes or market needs. Rusangira pointed out some of the new and most significant changes association members have to respect.Among others, he pointed out that members are required to shiftily adhere to the automations introduced in the business processes, use of risk management tools and utilize the safety and security initiatives.Mark Priesty, the country director of TMEA, promised that his organisation will support the association in making sure that members easily adjust to the required standards. He said this would be done through financial support and capacity building.The deputy Commissioner General of Rwanda Revenue Authority and Commissioner of Customs, Richard Tushabe, commended clearing agents and urged them to adhere to the association’s strategic plan.He noted that among others, the plan highlights and responds to the very changes and challenges currently facing the clearing and forwarding profession.“This plan is in line with the many structural economic reforms that government has introduced. Therefore, the association is on track,” Tushabe said.At the same event, the Private Sector Federation (PSF) recoganised ADR for winning the PSF First Best Performer Association Award of Excellent for the year 2012.Private Sector Federation, Director of Employment, Antoine Manzi, said that the association`s efforts demonstrates the capacity that even other associations can work harder given the support from government in making sure that the private sector effectively boosts economic growth and development.