Ntsoaki Motaung
Maseru
June 10, 2022
The Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) enjoined Lesotho to the other only two countries to have launched the E-Customs Tariff under the European Union- World Customs Organisation (EU-WCO) Programme for Harmonized system in Africa, at a prestigious event held in Maseru today.
The other two countries are eSwatini and Liberia.
Speaking at the event, Commissioner of Co-operations LRA Obed ‘Nete indicated that, the e-tariff platform bodes well with the current customs modernization program with substantial benefits expected including, enhancement of the Lesotho cross border trade efficiency and quality of services through improvement of LRA’s information and communications technology (ICT) capacity and capability.
“This will not only improve compliance of trade, reduce cross border trade delays and improve effectiveness of processes, but, it will further improve Lesotho’s ranking in doing business due the broad ICT facilitation and compliance improvement benefits of the project and thus attract the requisite Foreign Direct Investment for the country,†he said.
‘Nete further mentioned that, LRA has resolved to take advantage of technological advancements by making it easy for clients to undertake exportation and importation by using online platforms such as the e-Tariff accessible via the LRA website.
Meanwhile, Ts’ireletso Mojela the Deputy Principal Secretary (DPS) of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, said the ministry together with LRA are working together towards building links between countries around the world, to help business leaders to connect and do business with each other more easily.
She said studies indicate that reducing red tape at the borders can have significant benefits in terms of added export potential, increased foreign investment and greater access to a wider variety of goods for consumers.
She affirmed government’s full commitment to continue to building international trade networks, enabling businesses to fully benefit from the resultant opportunities.
“The Ministry of Trade and Industry will continue to work with national bodies such as the Lesotho Coordination Committee on Trade (LCCT) and the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) and other key stakeholders to support initiatives such as the E-Customs Tariff,†she said. Meanwhile, Thapelo ‘Moleli who is the LRA Manager Customs Advisory Services, said that the solution was developed by Global Trade Solutions who will provide Lesotho with the solution development and its subsequent maintenance for free.
