The Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Hon. Chipoka Mulenga, on 22nd July, 2022, flagged off the delivery of equipment procured under the Zambia Border Post and Upgrade Project destined for Chirundu, Mwami and Nakonde borders.
The flag off ceremony was witnessed by officials from key beneficiary border agencies which included Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), Department of Immigration, The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA), Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) among other key stakeholders from border agencies.
Hon. Chipoka Mulenga highlighted that implementation of the project was expected to result in the upgrading of soft infrastructure at Chirundu, Mwami and Nakonde OSBPs as well as assisting in improving efficiency of the services offered by Border Agencies.
“Critical is the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in border clearance processes, especially with the advent of COVID-19 hence the reason that we are gathered here to witnesses this momentous occasion,” he said.
In the vote of thanks, Mr. Dingani Banda, Commissioner General, ZRA thanked the Ministry for the stewardship in implementing such projects that deliver milestones towards improving the trade facilitation landscape in Zambia. He also thanked the cooperating partners, COMESA and EU for their continued support in improving operational efficiency at the border posts. He also informed the meeting that the ZBPUP also supported ZRA with the upgrade of the AYSCUDA system that was effected earlier this year, another milestone in improving border efficiencies.