Almost 10 years after implementation, Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) authorised economic operator programme basked in global glory as the country hosted the World Customs Organization’s 4th Authorized Economic Operator (‘AEO’) global conference in Kampala.
And the forum’s corporate sponsor, Huawei, a leading global ICT solutions provider, said they were proud to have collaborated in organizing the meeting from 14th to the 16th of March which gave participants a platform to exchange views on both the challenges and opportunities of AEO and MRAs, as well as the increasing role played by technology in this space.
According to Huawei Uganda’s Managing Director Mr. Stanley Chyn,” Huawei is willing to participate, and to make its contribution to this customs revolution by aligning our strategies and operations. We would also like use this great opportunity to appeal to all stakeholders for an open and non-discriminatory set of global trade and investment rules to support the future growth of the digital economy, and to implement effective, transparent and proportionate measures to ensure safety, security and integrity of global value chains via AEO and MRAs.”
“Huawei Uganda was awarded AEO certificate in 2016. On that note, we pledge to continue to comply with local laws and regulations, and make great contribution to the ICT industry”, he added.
Uganda is the forth country to host the Authorised Economic Operator conference after South Korea in 2011, Spain in 2013 and Mexico in 2015.
More than 1,000 delegates from 169 countries, including representatives from customs administration, business community in customs, civil society and government gathered to discuss successes and challenges that customs administration and private sector face in implementing the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme.
Huawei also exhibited its smart customs and smart taxation solution intended to make efficient customs clearance services, promote trade facilitation and bring about social and economic benefits.
Growing compliance
“They (Authorised Economic Operator ) enjoy shorter turnaround times, are able to have higher turnover and this enables them to do more business, supply customers faster and bring in goods at a quicker pace.,” said Doris Akol, the URA commissioner general.
Customs in Uganda has been making huge progress in terms of customs mobilisation, according to WCO.
While some importers have all their goods scanned, about 51 companies are currently not subjected to checks by customs office having met the AEO standards since they were adopted in 2005.
Years after grappling with a slow uptake due to lack of appreciation within the business community and URA customs staff, Authorised Economic Operator contribute 28 per cent of customs revenue.
With about 70 per cent of cargo going through the borders unexamined due to an improvement in compliance.
