Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) Commissioner Sam Shivute has called on the formation of partnerships that will enable the speedy implementation of recommendations in the Time Release Study (TRS) Report.

Launched in Walvis Bay on Friday, the report is a result of a study conducted by the Customs and Excise Department through the National Technical Working Group and serves as a tool for Government and stakeholders.

The TRS contains finding and recommendations from the Port of Walvis Bay conducted from February to July 2023.

According to Shivute during the launch, in order to place Namibia as one of SADC and the world’s best transport and logistics hubs, there is a need to identify and address bottlenecks in the clearance of goods at Walvis Bay particularly in order to promote legitimate trade and increase the port’s Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEU).

‘We do know that although we await for Cabinet’s directive on the approval of this report, we know the positions we were appointed in and we already know our m
andate as far as trade facilitation is concerned. We already know the Namibia we want and what we need to improve for our competitiveness in order to create a conducive environment for businesses and really to facilitate trade, therefore we need to start doing things now,’ he urged.

Shivute said the report gives a clear understanding of trade facilitation and releasing and also the challenges experienced within the space of facilitation in Namibia and the recommendations.

Head of Customs and Excise Willbroad Poniso noted that once implemented, the TRS will enable faster turnaround times which will impact expedited movement of goods.

‘It will also improve reliability, therefore enabling accurate and predictable timelines for cargo release and enhanced planning capabilities. Furthermore, an enhanced trade competitiveness will also be a benefit, therefore positioning Walvis Bay as a more competitive trade gateway and then attracting more shipping lines,’ he expressed.

Source: Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA)