Imagine a world where customs clearance efficiency doubles, business operational costs significantly decrease, and international trade flows more smoothly. This vision, long cherished by entrepreneurs, is becoming a reality in Angola as the country makes steady progress toward becoming a regional economic powerhouse.
WCO Diagnostic Mission Lays Groundwork for Reform
At the request of Angola's General Tax Administration (AGT) and its Customs Services Department (CSD), the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a comprehensive diagnostic support mission in Luanda from March 9-19, 2023. Funded by the Korean Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF), this initiative assessed AGT's progress in modernization reforms and evaluated its capacity to implement trade facilitation measures aligned with international standards, including the WCO's Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).
As part of the WCO Mercator Programme framework, the mission engaged in extensive consultations with various AGT and CSD departments, along with public sector stakeholders, to develop a holistic understanding of Angola's trade facilitation landscape.
Key Findings: Progress and Challenges
The WCO team's diagnostic report highlighted both Angola's achievements and areas requiring improvement:
Notable Achievements:
- Legal Framework: Establishment of TFA-aligned laws and regulations
- Institutional Structure: Creation of dedicated TFA implementation units and inter-agency coordination mechanisms
- Digitalization: Implementation of electronic declaration systems
Areas for Improvement:
- Capacity Building: Need for enhanced customs personnel training in TFA-related areas
- Coordination: Strengthening inter-departmental collaboration mechanisms
- Technology: Further advancement of customs digitalization for end-to-end trade process automation
Customized Roadmap for Angola's Trade Facilitation
Based on the assessment, the WCO developed a tailored implementation plan focusing on:
- Enhancing legal frameworks to meet international standards
- Building institutional capacity through targeted training programs
- Accelerating digital transformation of customs processes
- Strengthening public-private partnerships in trade facilitation
The multi-year Mercator Implementation Plan includes specific performance indicators to measure progress in TFA implementation, enabling AGT to monitor results and make necessary adjustments.
WCO Mercator Programme: A Global Trade Facilitation Catalyst
The Mercator Programme represents the WCO's comprehensive approach to supporting developing countries in implementing trade facilitation measures. The program offers:
- Diagnostic assessments of TFA implementation readiness
- Customs capacity building initiatives
- Technical assistance for reform implementation
- Knowledge sharing of global best practices
Angola's Trade Facilitation Future
With WCO support through the Mercator Programme, Angola is positioned to transform its trade environment. Successful implementation of these reforms promises to reduce business costs, streamline international trade processes, and ultimately contribute to national economic growth and improved living standards.
The collaboration between Angola's tax administration and the WCO stands as a model for international cooperation in trade facilitation, with potential to influence economic development across Africa and beyond.