PHOTO: James Hinneh (middle), Customs Brokers President
By Augustine Octavius, augustineoctavius@gmail.com
The newly inducted leadership of the National Custom Brokers Association of Liberia has observed that there are several drawbacks due to technicalities and other unnecessary barriers in doing trade in the country.
The association’s President, James Hinneh quoted data from the World Bank regarding the need to ease the way of doing business in Liberia, which he said is currently not favorable, as Liberia ranks 175 out of 190 countries.
Mr. Hinneh was speaking recently at a program marking the induction of the National Custom Brokers Association of Liberia held at its headquarters located on the Bushrod Island in Monrovia.
“We will sit around the table with these partners to identify other policy issues thereby finding a workable solution to facilitate trade,” he said; adding: “This is only possible with high level of commitment, honesty and dedication from all of us and let me also use this opportunity to appeal with all of our stakeholders to keep their doors open to us,” the new Customs Brokers Association President said.
Mr. Hinneh cautioned customs brokers and all clearing firms to pay their toll fees and comply with new payment measures that will be laid out to increase the toll fees for 20-foot container. The fees have been increaseTh from 500.00 to 1,000.00 Liberian Dollars, 40-foo container from 1,000.00 to 2,000.00 Liberian Dollars by this leadership to support this milestone project.
“We also call on all stakeholders for their financial support in this undertaking, as it will benefit all of us for training workshop and meetings.”
“In the upcoming years,” he went on, “you can all be assured that we will carry out major reforms both as a leadership and as an association.”
According to him, this will continue their normal conversation with the Liberia Revenue Authority regarding the licensing process of their members so that they can have a complete data base for all members.
The President of Liberia Customs Brokers Association explained that the leadership will also monitor the day to day activities including their moral conducts most especially to guide against fraud and protect government revenue.
“We should continue to be the change we want to see! If this is done, my fellow brokers, our reputation as an association will improve, our dignity will be preserved and our character kept in tight. We will work with our borders coordinators to strengthen the NCBAL collectorate at Bo-waterside, in Ganta, the Roberts International Airport and also expand the presence of our association at all LRA collectorates at every border and sea ports of Liberia.”
Mr. Harris also spoke of a reform process underway, where his Association will renew ties with Brokers Associations in all ECOWAS countries and continue our relationship with the International Federation of Customs Brokers Association (IFCBA) based in Canada.
“We will foster mutual conversations and protect the rights and the dignities of Liberians who are brokers in those countries also in line with standards and conformity measures of the World Trade Organization,” he said.
The Association’s task force will monitor individuals handling customs related documents and this taskforce will make sure that our brokers are trained, licensed, and accountable to the National Customs Brokers Association of Liberia, he disclosed.
Others inducted were Innis Zorgar, Vice President; Morris Kaitamba, Secretary General; and Mohamed Jaliba, Assistant Secretary General.
Others were Satu Sheriff, Treasurer; Ezekiel Nyenpan, Assistant Financial Secretary; and Amelia Doe, Assistant Financial Secretary, among others.