Upgraded Internet Cargo System Goes Online in Uganda

Last week, Uganda went live with the Automated System for Customs Data (Asycuda World). The system, which is an upgraded version of Asycuda++, is a web-based Customs management system that supports paperless cargo submission and processing through the use of electronic documents. the system is now available throughout the country via the Internet, after nearly 10 months of piloting it in Jinja, eastern Uganda.

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Tanker overturns, spilling Oil near Mombasa port

Mombasa, Kenya: A tanker carrying 20,000 liters of fuel overturned at the Kenya Ports Authority in Mombasa and has fallen oil on a road, making it impossible.

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Road Fees Increment in Favour of Mombasa

In an apparent move to stifle the port of Dar Es Salaam and central transport corridor as a whole in favour of northern road through Mombasa port in Kenya, the government of Rwanda has increased road fees for Tanzanian trucks from USD 152 to USD 500. In reality, Tanzania is the shortest and affordable transport passageway for Kigali at a distance of just 1,350km compared to over 2,700km when cargos are transported through Mombasa. “As we speak there are about 200 trucks which are stuck at the Rusumo border post and we expect the number to increase,” the Tanzania Truck Owners Association (TATAO)’s Treasurer and Publicist Zachariah Hans Poppe told the ‘Daily News’ in a telephone interview yesterday.

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President Kagame commends Kenya’s Mombasa Port

President Paul Kagame commended the integration spirit exhibited by the Kenyan government, which is demonstrated in the country’s commitment to regional infrastructure projects that will benefit the East Africans.

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Improvements in Africa’s Infrastructure the key to future growth of air cargo

Air cargo charter is an effective way of moving freight that is of high-value, outsize or of a time-sensitive nature – making it an integral part of the global logistics network to support manufacturing, trade and investment.

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Interest shown by Singaporeans for the Export Processing Zones Authority

The visiting Singaporeans have expressed interest to invest particularly under the Export Processing Zones Authority (EPZA) managed Export Processing Zone (EPZ) and Special Economic Zone (SEZ) programs.

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RRA launches M-Declaration

A big number of small-and-medium businesses evade or avoid taxes every year, according to the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA). However, small business owners always claim that it is difficult for them to declare taxes on time or even to declare them, due to a number of constraints.

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WOMESA to tackle East & South African trade barrier issues

High logistics costs are a major barrier to East Africa’s competitiveness and to the region’s prospects for accelerated economic growth. High transport costs are a function of a number of factors, among them, multiplicity of institutions, processes and documentation in the cargo clearance process from the port of Mombasa in Kenya to the hinterland countries of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan. The multiplicity of players in the logistics supply chain in East Africa also breeds the environment for corrupt practices owing to lack of transparency.

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Talks to remove Barriers of Trade for EAC

East African Community partner States are conducting discussions aimed at reducing roadblocks and cumbersome custom procedures. The talks were initiated following the absence of credible mechanism to help remove non-tariff barriers (NTBs) – the restrictions that result from prohibitions, conditions, or specific market requirements that make importation or exportation of products difficult and/or costly. Speaking during a workshop organised by Trade Mark East Africa to eliminate NTBs, the EAC Secretary General, Richard Sezibera, said the publishing of a monthly booklet updates on existing NTBs in each partner State would help supplement the machineries available. “East Africa must industrialize or be left at the margins of the global economy. We have the choice but to invest in processes. Eliminating NTBs is part of the moves,” he said, adding: “We need to continue to seriously focus on the removal of barriers to trade.” The five-member bloc boss said discussions were going on within individual partner States to eliminate hindrances to trade. “Rwanda and Uganda are discussing how to eliminate NTBs. Other member countries are also planning to do so.” EAC has no enforcement mechanism to help remove non-tariff barriers. In the absence of a credible mechanism to eliminate them, partner States, particularly those that are landlocked have begun bilateral discussions to remove them.

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East Africa ports set to drive the regions growth

East Africa is emerging as a top logistics and shipping hub. Kenya and Tanzania are considering expanding their ports in Mombasa and Dar es Salaam and building new ones to cash in on the growing cargo business. The East African coast, particularly the ports, is said to be one the greatest drivers of the region’s growth in the next decade. Is this realistic or far-fetched? Does your firm see things this way? More than 90 per cent of global trade moves on the ocean, and ports are an essential cog in this vital wheel, enabling countries to trade with one another in an efficient and reliable manner, as well as open up new markets. The absence of ample port capacity, coupled with outdated infrastructure and/or inefficient operations, can stifle an economy.

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