Nigeria: The Country And the GSP Debate
The EU - Nigeria trade regime is back in the press. It is not a surprise: the European Union is Nigeria's second trade partner and West Africa first trade partner, and the West Africa region is the first Africa Caribbean and Pacific trade partner for the EU.
Nigeria: Port Congestion - FG to Seize Undeclared Goods
As part of efforts to tackle the problem of port congestion, the Federal Government will henceforth seize all goods imported into the country that were under declared by the importers.
Uganda: Exports Grow by 20 Percent
LAST year, Uganda exported more goods and services than the previous one. The value of exports increased from $2b in 2006/07, to $2.4b in 2007/08.
Nigeria: 'Govt Should Import Groundnuts Instead of Oil'
Alhaji Umaru Lawan, the MD/CEO Superb Feed and Veterinary Services (A Division of Super Fast Foods Industries Ltd), is the Chairman of Small Scale Industrialists Association (Sharada-Kano Branch).
Zimbabwe: Form Buying Groups to Import Basics - CCZ
THE Consumer Council of Zimbabwe has advised consumers to form groups and send members to South Africa to buy basic commodities there to counter exorbitant pricing by retailers in the country.
Nigeria: FG Shops for New Customs Boss, Ditches Extension Moves
THE Federal Government has started shopping for a new Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) after turning down an application for the extension of service of the current helmsman of the agency.
Nigeria: 'Banks Should Be Offensive in Trade Transactions'
Former Director, Trade and Exchange department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs. Omolara Akanji has called on banks to be offensive in trade transactions.
Nigeria: Taiwan Trade Hits $729 Million
Trade activities between Nigeria and Taiwan received a boost in 2008, as total trade between both countries for the month of January through August 2008, is put at US $728,896,841, with Nigeria enjoying a trade surplus of US $354,971,007.Statistics from the Trade Mission of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Nigeria show that within the period under review, Nigeria imported products worth US $186,962,917 while Taiwan's imports from Nigeria was US $541,933,924.In comparison, the total trade volume last year was US $541 million, with Nigeria enjoying a trade surplus of US $162 million. On the average, for over 15 years, the total annual volulme of trade had hovered around US $ 500 million, until this year.With this record breaking development, just within eight months of the year, the potential for higher trade figures for the rest of the year and the future is guaranteed.
Nigeria: Cosmetic Manufacturers Seek Downward Review of Import Duty
The Cosmetics Manufacturers and Ethics Association of Nigeria (COSMEAN) has called on the Federal Government to review the duty on imported raw materials and inputs needed in the industry from 10 per cent to five per cent.
Nigeria: SGS Issued 20,000 RAR This Year
SGS Nigeria, one of the service providers engaged by the Federal Government to assist the management of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in the provision of risk assessment on all imports, has issued a total of 20,000 Risk Assessment Report (RAR) between January and November this year.
Nigeria: EU Denies Accusation of Forcing EPA
The European Union yesterday denied the accusation leveled against it that a decision had been taken to force Nigeria to conclude an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
Nigeria: Toyota Partners Son On Fake Auto Parts
Disturbed by the infiltration of fake and counterfeit auto parts in the country, Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL) has gone into an alliance with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to sensitise stakeholders and consumers on the dangers of importing and using substandard/fake auto components in the country.
Nigeria: Smugglers - Customs Reposes Confidence in Judiciary
For the Area Comptroller, Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ali Wakili, there is no going back on NCS recent declaration of war on smugglers, even as he reposed confidence in the ability of the judiciary to continue to live up to expectations in the trial of suspects, who are arrested in connection with smuggling activities.
Nigeria: EU Rejects Country's Request for Trade Deal
European Union Commission (EC) has rejected Nigeria's application to be granted the enhanced Generalised System of Preferences otherwise known as the GSP+ status, under the special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance for the period covering 2009-2011.
Mozambique: Surtax On Cement Imports Suspended
The Mozambican government on Tuesday suspended, for a period of two years, the surtax on cement imports.
Zimbabwe: International Group to Investigate Abuse of Trade Unionists
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) is dispatching a high-powered delegation to Zimbabwe to investigate allegations of gross abuse of rights of trade union activists and workers, by the government.
Tunisia: Measures Taken for Pump-Priming the Economy
President Ben Ali chaired on Tuesday a cabinet meeting which examined a support plan relative to enterprises whose activities were hampered by the latest world financial and economic crisis.
Tunisia: Chamber of Commerce Organizes 2008 Awards Ceremony
The Tunisian American Chamber of Commerce (TACC) has recently organized its third Awards ceremony in a highly convivial atmosphere, grouping together the cream of the Tunisian -American business world.
Zimbabwe: 2008 Bad Year for Arts
THIS has been a very sad year for the Zimbabwean arts and culture industry. But a bit of good news first . . . Eric Moyo wins the inaugural East and Southern Africa Idols . . . former Studio 263 actor in Mr Bones 2 . . . Tongai Moyo releases new album . . . Record Company gives musicians cars . . . what else?
Zambia: Farmers Are Hypocrites
IT is shocking that commercial farmers can today cry foul over the Government's decision to import maize in order to bring down and stabilise the price of mealie meal.
South Africa: Country Welcomes Landmark European Trade Offer
THE European Commission has made a major concession in trade talks with the Southern African Customs Union (Sacu), offering a deal that should avert the break-up of the customs union.
Uganda: Coffee Export Value Up 34 Percent
THE value of November coffee exports rose by 31.4%, while the volume was up by 48.5%, a report from the Uganda Coffee Development Authority has shown, writes David Muwanga.
Uganda: Current Account Deficit Hits $217 Million
THE current account deficit widened to $217.5m in October from $182.1m in the same period last year due to an increase in imports, central bank data shows.
Southern Africa: The Year 2008 in Retrospect
The curtain comes down on a historic year for southern Africa with the launch of the Free Trade Area and a watershed agreement to form a single market from Cape to Cairo.
Nigeria: Rebranding Customs, the Fresh Challenges
The Nigerian Customs and Excise, apart from collecting import and export revenue for the government, is also known for corruption without modern equipment for effective operation. Aware of these shortcomings, the new administration is beginning to tackle the challenges, writes Mary Ekah
Nigeria: RATTAWU Tasks PFAs On Workers' Statement of Accounts
The Radio, Television, Theater and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) on Wednesday urged Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) to ensure regular update of workers' statement of accounts.
Nigeria: N120 Billion Port Development Levy Illegal -Stakeholders
The sum of N120 billion collected at rate of seven percent and tagged port development levy over a period of nine years from importers is due for refund.
Nigeria: Okolo Unfolds Agenda for Naccima
Dr. Simon Okolo has unfolded key areas his administration would chart for further development of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA ) .
Nigeria: Rivers Sets Up Body On Multiple Taxation
TO stop multiple taxation suffered by businessmen in Rivers State, the government has set up a committee to harmonize taxes paid at various levels in the state.
Nigeria: Shekarau Donates Buses to NLC
Kano State government has donated two additional buses to the state chapter of the Nigeria Labor Congress.