26 May 2019

Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) has embarked on a number of projects aimed at tackling some modern challenges, the organisation’s acting commissioner  general Mr Phodiso Valashia has said.

The upgraded projects, which include the development of a new legal framework and a modern web-based system, are intended to bring about speedier clearance of goods through customs controls and enhance accounting and collection of revenue.

 The projects will also facilitate the collection and publication of accurate trade statistics leading to reduction of trade costs.

Speaking at the 24th World Customs Organization East and Southern Africa (WCOES) conference in Gaborone, Mr Valashia pointed out that the fast changing global environment demanded that customs administrations and other stakeholders continuously come up with new ways of operation.

Customs administration had been increasingly called upon to play a more facilitative role  in order to attract investment and tourism, he said, adding that expectations were rising for the sector to play a much bigger role on enforcement and security issues.

He said from time immemorial, customs administration had played a pivotal role in the regulation of international trade, focusing mainly on raising the much-needed revenue for government as well as to protect and safeguard economies.

Mr Valashia indicated that the efficiency and effectiveness with which customs administration carried out its work had a direct bearing on the position their countries occupied on the international stage.

He further explained that an enabling environment attracted unimpeded flow of international trade and investments towards efficient and facilitative locations.

Customs administrations, he said, had to work in close partnership with their stakeholders to ensure the country did not lag behind by providing a conducive environment for regional and international trade as well as economic growth.

Mr Valashia applauded government for striving to improve customs administration for the provision of quality and excellent service. ENDS