by Christopher Makaza
As part of its Ease of doing Business Reforms in the agricultural sector, Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka revealed that his Ministry has established a One Stop Permit Processing Office at the Ministry's head office.
Presenting an update on the Ease of Doing Business Reforms in the Agricultural sector during the Thirty-Sixth cabinet meeting yesterday, Minister Masuka revealed that the reforms were intended to create an enabling environment that promotes competitiveness in the agricultural sector by improving the time, cost and processes, which clients pass through when obtaining regulatory documents.
"The office brings together regulatory agencies which include seed services. Clients no longer need to travel to the Mazoe plant quarantine station to obtain plant import permits. The Veterinary Services and the National Biosafety Authority will soon join the one stop office," said the Minister.
He further revealed that at the Beitbridge border post, clients can now pay for a range of services using the ASYCUDA system under the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).
He went on to say that the electronic system for issuance of permits will soon become operational, thereby facilitating virtual applications for imports and exports permits.
The Minister informed the nation that export permits validity for all controlled agricultural produce was increased to six months with effect from August 20.
He further said the possibility of merging livestock-related levies into one is being considered adding that in order to expedite issuance of stock clearance for movement, the Cabinet encouraged farmers to adopt personal brands, which facilitate livestock identification and traceability.
The Minister noted that the cost of acquiring the necessary health certification documents had since been reduced by at least 40 percent through amendment of Statutory Instrument 94 of 2016, adding that the compliance certificate now costs ZW$25.00 from the initial US$100.
Government also repealed Statutory Instrument 83 of 2013, thereby removing the levy paid by transporters at ports of entry and exit.
