By MAIMBOLWA MULIKELELA –

THE Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) has commended Government for putting up modern infrastructure in major border entry points to coordinate import inspection and clearance.
ZABS chief executive officer Manuel Mutale said it was gratifying to see institutions such as Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) as well as ZABS  effectively share information on how to quicken the import inspection and clearance procedures at border points.
This is contained in a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday and made available to the Times.
“One of the objectives of the Government is to ensure that trade is promoted for national development and the building of modern infrastructure at the border entry points has enabled institutions such as ours to effectively facilitate trade,” he said.
Mr Mutale was speaking after a tour of Chirundu, Katima Mulilo and Nakonde borders last week to review ZABS’ performance during the quarter ending March 31, 2016.
He said it had become more efficient to inspect and clear goods at border points because of the presence of modern equipment such as  scanners and physical inspection bays which also promoted quicker clearance.
“ZABS and other agencies were operating from makeshift offices not long ago. It is gratifying to see our staff working from a very conducive environment following the construction of the current facilities,” Mr Mutale said.
He said ZABS would remain committed to pushing the Government agenda forward by ensuring that the mandate of the Bureau was speeded up.