By KENNEDY  MUPESENI –
THE Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) has launched an online business registration system which has resulted in the entire registration process being done electronically.
The online system which was launched at the weekend by Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe would allow for filing and paying for annual returns electronically.
Further, the system has several value added services such as business status verification, making it possible for clients to verify the registration status of a business or its compliance with the requirement to file annual returns at no cost.
Barclays Bank Plc would be providing Visa cards on which clients would be using to make payments and other transactions with PACRA online.
Ms Mwanakatwe described the launch as an important milestone as it was an essential vehicle for commercial and industrial development.
“Registered businesses are essential vehicles for commercial and industrial development. It is therefore gratifying that PACRA is making business registration services readily available,“ she said.
Ms Mwanakatwe paid tribute to the Private Sector Development and Job Creation Office for financial support, adding that the Government had prioritised industrialisation as a job creation strategy.
“Our vision is to create a smart Zambia anchored on information technology which enhances efficiency and transparency by eliminating duplication in information requirements thereby enhancing service delivery in respective institutions,” she said.
Barclays Bank managing director, Saviour Chibiya said the platform would significantly reduce the cost of transactions with PACRA.
“The platform will significantly reduce the cost of transactions with PACRA and on our part we will ensure that all the online transactions are secured,” Mr Chibiya said.
PACRA registrar and chief executive officer, Anthony Bwembya said the online platform was a culmination of foresight and hard work that started in June 2014 as part of Government’s vision of reforming the business environment.
“Until now, only online name availability search has been possible. While clients could inquire on the availability of desired names, they could not submit applications or annual returns electronically,”Mr Bwembya said.