Tendai Ziso

Government has improved the ease of doing business in the country’s agricultural sector by implementing reforms that will see the reduction of the cost of acquiring health certification documents, the establishment of a One Stop Permit Processing Office and the extension of export permit validity for agricultural produce.

This was revealed yesterday in a post cabinet meeting where government said the reforms were put in place to create an enabling environment that promotes competitiveness in the agriculture sector by improving the time, cost and processes which clients pass through when obtaining regulatory documents.

“The costs of acquiring the necessary health certification documents have since been reduced by at least 40%, through amendment of Statutory Instrument 94 of 2016. The compliance certificate now costs ZW$25.00 from the initial US$100,” said Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa.

She also said S.I 83 of 2013 was repealed, a development which removes the levy paid by transporters at ports of entry and exit.

“Cabinet also wishes to inform the public that a One Stop Permit Processing Office has been established at the Ministry Head Office. The office brings together regulatory agencies which include Seed Services, the Agricultural Marketing Authority and Plant Quarantine Services. Clients nolonger need to travel to Mazowe Plant Quarantine Station to obtain Plant Import Permits.The Veterinary Services and the National Biosafety Authority will soon join the One Stop Office,” she said.

Cabinet also revealed that clients can now pay only once for a range of services using the ASYCUDA system under the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, and an electronic system for the issuance of permits will soon be operational to allow applications for import and export permits to be conducted virtually.