GIS – 27 January, 2020: The Integrated Governmental Clearance Centre will mark a major milestone in the facilitation of trade in Mauritius, by reducing the cost of doing business and improve our ranking for Ease of Doing Business. Mauritius is already a leader in business facilitation in Africa and was ranked at the 13th position in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index 2020.
The Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister for Rodrigues, Outer Islands and Territorial Integrity, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, made this statement yesterday, during a ceremony to celebrate International Customs Day 2020, in Plaine Magnien.
The event, organised by the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA), was also marked with the laying of the Foundation Stone of the Integrated Governmental Clearance Centre (IGCC) and with the launching of a state-of-the-art mobile container scanner to the tune of Rs 73 million.
In his address, the Prime Minister highlighted that 2020 will mark the start of a new era for Mauritius in terms of development and opening the economy to the world. In this endeavor, he said, trade facilitation is of prime importance, hence the setting up of the IGCC to bring, under one roof, all the related government agencies concerned with the processing of permits and authorisation and the clearance of goods.
He observed that the IGCC will promote a Coordinated Border Management creating a better synergy among governmental agencies and will ultimately result in more effective delivery of service, an optimum use of resources, better connectivity and wider sharing of information and intelligence, amongst others.
The Prime Minister also announced his intention to further develop the airport with the construction of a new passenger terminal to cope more efficiently and effectively with the growing passenger traffic. The coming into operation of the new passenger terminal and the IGCC, he added, will act as engines of economic growth with the swift movement of air cargo, courier and passengers and make Mauritius a regional hub.
Speaking about the theme of International Customs Day 2020, ‘Customs fostering sustainability for people, prosperity, and the planet’, Prime Minister Jugnauth underscored the vision of the Government in assuring that the population live in a society where peace, harmony and security prevail. On this note, he underpinned Government’s strong determination to fight drug trafficking and recalled that around Rs 4.6 billion of different types of drugs and psychotropic substances were seized since January 2015.
The Prime Minister moreover underlined Government’s unflinching support to the MRA in its mission. To this end, he said, the necessary funds have been allocated to the MRA to avail of the latest tools, equipment and technology. In fact, the MRA made the acquisition of the following: two Fast Interceptor Boats in November 2018; three drones at the cost of Rs 1,5 M; five additional sniffer dogs in 2019; and x-ray scanners at the port.
As for the Director-General of the MRA, Mr Sudhamo Lal, he underlined that the MRA is a strategic player in helping the Government achieve its vision 2030 for transforming Mauritius into a high-income economy. The MRA, he added, is contributing to 90% to the national budget through tax revenues collected. He indicated that revenue collected by the MRA has grown steadily over the years, from Rs 49.3 B in 2010 to Rs 89.5 B in 2018/19.
With regards to the IGCC, the Director-General pointed out that such as Centre is recommended by the World Customs Organisation and promotes the innovative concept of Coordinated Border Management that will enable stakeholders to conduct transactions in a single building. According to him, all these measures will facilitate trade, held reduce the cost of doing business and dwell time.
Moreover, Mr Lal dwelt on key initiatives that the MRA has undertaken to promote sustainability for the people and prosperity. He also spoke of the resounding success of the institution for spearheading reforms and modernising itself for better service delivery.
The Integrated Governmental Clearance Centre
The IGCC will have a total surface area of 4,800 sq. M and will cost around Rs 650 million and is expected to be completed by June 2021. It will have a modern architectural design and equipped with all the necessary facilities and amenities, while being eco-friendly.
Government Information Service, Prime Minister’s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: gis@govmu.org Website: http://gis.govmu.org Mobile App: Search Gov