Essa Wally, President of the Association for Customs Clearing & Forwarding Agents (ACCFA) called on clearing and forwarding agents to exercise discipline and professionalism in the performance of their job. He added that the introduction of ASYCUDA-World requires proper knowledge and understanding in the declaration and documentation of their work.
Mr. Wally said they are still pursuing for the shipping line charges which the Minister of Trade plans to stop on LPHC and THC.
He appealed to Government to decline any excuse or explanation put forward by shipping lines as a reason for them not being able to pay the charges.
“We registered 127 clearing & forwarding agents this year and created over 1000 jobs,” he stated, noting that it is their priority to advance on all fronts of the association’s culture – which are fundamental to their success.
Ismaila Jallow, Commissioner of Customs at The Gambia Revenue Authority(GRA) in his remarks on behalf of his Commissioner-Generaldescribed AGMs as a sign of good governance that provides memberships and stakeholders a platform to discuss about entity and financial performances.
Jallow told the association that once its membership understands what would facilitate trade, it would become easier between their institutions and customs in any country they faced.
“We have been looking at trade facilitation; some of your memberships have worked with us on the Time Release Studies (TRS) that understands the time it takes to clear any good from any custom area for the consumption of the general populaces. This way, it will help you to know if you have a container inside GPA and how long it will take to be out,’’ he explained.
He advised clearing and forwarding agents to ensure they understand the customs laws, regulations and articles provided by WTO.
Ousman Jobarteh, Managing Director for The Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) encouraged clearing and forwarding agents to be more collaborative in their approach as well as be aware of policies and procedures for both national and international supply chains.
He assured them of his office continuous collaboration.
MD Jobarteh disclosed that the Africa Development and World Banks have pleaded grant fundingof $20, 000, 000, 000 dollars for the port development, noting that if any country wants to drive maximum value from infrastructure, related components must be addressed.
He said this includes the Bond road access, ferry terminal, trade facilitation and capacity building.
