Private sector upbeat on web-based trade portal
The Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) has expressed optimism that the Malawi Trade Portal (MTP), a web-based facility for trade related regulatory information on import, export and transit trade will enhance trading activities.
Speaking at the launch of MTP in Blantyre yesterday, MCCCI president Karl Chokotho applauded government for putting up the facility which he described as a critical tool for information dissemination.
He said: “We have over time moved from office to office in search for information but this can now be done in the comfort of your office, reducing time spent on travelling.”
In his remarks, Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism Joseph Mwanamveka said the portal is a gateway to easy trade-related information.
He said the portal aims to enhance transparency and predictability to importers and exporters on all import and export procedures and regulations.
“We have set up a secretariat, domiciled in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism to monitor the portal to ensure that information is up to date and queries are addressed on time,” he said.
On her part, World Bank country manager Laura Kullenberg described the trade portal a step towards enhancement of trade in Malawi.
“We are pleased to have played a role in the establishment of the portal. The World Bank is interested in trade agenda specifically regional integration which is also what is important for Malawi,” she said.
Malawi is the second African country after Botswana to have a trade portal, a website that contains laws, regulations, application forms, licence and permit requirements and all procedures for licence application and clearance. n
