BY KWANELE TSABEDZE
MBABANE– While championing the use of data and technology in customs operations, World Customs Organisation (WCO) Secretary General Dr. Kunio Mikuriya lauded the Eswatini Revenue Services (ERS) for its progress.
The WCO Secretary General was speaking during a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Sipho Cleopas Dlamini at his offices today. The Secretary-General met with the Prime Minister to discuss development issues around custom tax strategies and management of national borders, as well as the WCO’s support of customs development initiatives.
According to the Eswatini Government’s official media pages, the Prime Minister confirmed that the strategies discussed were in line with the country’s authority on customs tax collection at borders, which is the Eswatini Revenue Services (ERS).
“Such initiatives align perfectly with the strategic vision of ERS which focuses on the mobilization and creation of easy-to-use digital platforms that do not only benefit Customs but also support the engagement of the trading community with ERS”, said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister was referring to the modernization strategies and initiatives which were underway as supported by the WCO. These include programmes that align with the country’s trade facilitation agenda, initiatives such as the Coordinated Border Management (CBM), the National Single Window and the Single Government Authorised Economic Operator (SG AEO).
The Prime Minister noted that COVID-19 had accelerated the implementation of digitalization strategies for every organization and country in the world.
“We are operating in the new normal where the importance of data and disruptive technologies have been redefined and requires innovation and advanced strategies to be in place,” remarked the Prime Minister.
Speaking in support of the country’s developments in customs operations, the WCO Secretary General applauded the ERS for its progress since it began operating. “We see great progress in ERS since its inception in 2011. Since then, we have been working with ERS providing support to achieve connectivity at borders and implement global standards and also promote cooperation. It is very crucial that customs provide a good business environment,” said Dr. Mikuriya.
Courtesy Pics of Eswatini Government
