CTA congratulates govt, says Nacala Terminal and visa reforms to improve Mozambique Doing Business rating

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CTA congratulates govt, says Nacala Terminal and visa reforms to improve Mozambique Doing Business rating

12:04 CAT | 01 Aug 2017

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The Confederation of Economic Associations of Mozambique (CTA) has congratulated the government on eliminating the obligation to use the Nacala Special Export Terminal and for fixing the cost of border visas.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Mozambique private sector representative body said the two measures would have a positive impact on the business environment in Mozambique, and called on the government to continue listening to the concerns of the entrepreneurs who were the driving force behind the country’s development.

It added that eliminating the mandatory use of the Nacala Special Export Terminal was a relief and would correct a situation that was creating serious problems for the economy, particularly the productive sector.

“The mandatory use of the Nacala Special Export Terminal constituted a major non-tariff obstacle to the development of business activity, affecting the competitiveness of Mozambique’s exports,” the CTA noted.

It added that the new provision would improve competitiveness by significantly reducing the time and cost involved in exporting cotton, cashew nuts and vegetables, among other items.

“However, it is a shame that this measure was taken only in July, because it will not affect the 2018 Doing Business classification, only the 2019 edition,” the CTA noted with regret.

With regard to the new cost of border visas, the private sector said the US$50 fee was generally in line with practice in the region.

“First, it was a breakthrough to introduce border visas. Now we have gone further in reducing costs. As a private sector, it is true that we want more: we dream of getting a visa for investments, and will continue to work with the government in pursuing this objective,” the association says.

There was now a need to publicise the measures and achieve the desired impact on the economy by making all relevant players, from consulates, travel agencies and airlines to the tourists themselves, aware of the changes, the institution added.

Source: Notícias