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November 6, 2007
LUSAKA - A pilot program by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) is expected to benefit some of Zambia's largest trade operators who will soon begin to import and export their goods without undergoing lengthy and costly inspections at border posts. The Customs Accredited Client Program (CACP), launched on November 6, is expected to decrease congestion at the borders by 25 - 50%.
The project will reduce border clearance time and operating costs for international traders, allowing ZRA Customs to fast-track goods without compromising trade facilitation and security. Initially, ZRA and ZTP will work with four of Zambia's 32 largest traders responsible for over 60% of ZRA Customs revenue: CFAO (Nissan), Mopani Mines, Konkola Copper Mines and Zambian Breweries. The program will likely be open to more applicants in early 2008.
ZRA Commissioner-General Chriticles Mwansa launched the CACP today during a ceremony attended by U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Deputy Mission Director, Ms. Sheila Lutjens. USAID and the Millennium Challenge Corporation, through the Zambia Threshold Project (ZPT), are providing support to the CACP.
The ZTP, funded through a two-year, $22.7 million agreement between the Government of Zambia and USAID, is a project designed to prevent corruption in targeted government institutions, improve public sector delivery to the private sector, and improve border management and trade.
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