Imagine a thriving cross-border trade landscape where goods flow efficiently and businesses prosper. Yet security risks loom large, demanding attention. How can nations safeguard national security while enhancing trade efficiency? The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is actively exploring solutions to this challenge through a successful workshop that empowered other cross-border regulatory agencies.
Workshop Overview: Strengthening Risk Management Capabilities
In response to the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), and with support from the UK's HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a mission at ZIMRA's Harare offices from August 29 to September 7. This initiative, part of the HMRC-WCO-UNCTAD project funded by the UK government, unfolded in two phases.
The first week focused on risk management training and coordinated border management, while WCO assisted ZIMRA in developing a two-day workshop for other Cross-Border Regulatory Agencies (CBRAs). The workshop featured multiple presentations by ZIMRA on risk management and border coordination issues, supplemented by in-depth group discussions and practical exercises. During the second week, ZIMRA successfully delivered this workshop.
Building a Training Team with WCO Expertise
A key objective was identifying a core team of up to three ZIMRA officials capable of disseminating risk management knowledge to other CBRAs and within ZIMRA itself. Among numerous presenters, WCO experts identified three outstanding potential trainers, whose names were submitted to the Customs and Excise Commissioner. ZIMRA's Human Resources and Training department awarded them competency certificates, recognizing their professional skills and training potential.
These officials will form the backbone of future risk management training initiatives, responsible for sharing knowledge and skills with other border agencies and ZIMRA personnel to enhance Zimbabwe's overall cross-border regulatory capacity.
Comprehensive Risk Management Curriculum
The workshop covered all aspects of risk management through case studies, group discussions, and simulations:
- Risk Identification: Detecting threats like smuggling, fraud, and intellectual property violations
- Risk Assessment: Evaluating probability and impact to prioritize risks
- Risk Response: Developing countermeasures including enhanced inspections and inter-agency cooperation
- Risk Monitoring: Tracking implementation and adjusting strategies
The program emphasized coordinated border management, highlighting how inter-agency information sharing and joint operations can reduce duplication, lower trade costs, and improve facilitation.
ZIMRA's Risk Management Best Practices
ZIMRA shared its established risk management framework, offering valuable insights for other agencies:
- Dedicated risk management departments developing policies and standards
- Data-driven assessment tools for evaluating trade activities
- Differentiated controls based on risk profiles
- International cooperation for information sharing and combating transnational crime
Advancing Trade Facilitation Under WTO TFA
This workshop represents Zimbabwe's commitment to implementing WTO's TFA by streamlining processes and reducing trade costs. Additional facilitation measures include:
- Digital government services for electronic declarations and payments
- Simplified clearance procedures
- Infrastructure development for ports and transportation networks
- Business environment improvements to attract investment
Future Outlook: Efficient and Secure Cross-Border Trade
The workshop marks significant progress in strengthening Zimbabwe's border security while facilitating legitimate trade. Moving forward, the nation will enhance inter-agency collaboration and continue trade facilitation reforms to build a robust cross-border trade environment that fuels economic growth.