More than two hundred customs brokers from across Angola gathered together in Luanda on July 15-16 to mark the first national conference of the Camara Dos Despachantes Oficiais de Angola (CDO). CDO President Pedro Da Costa Bequengue, who is also a Managing Director of the IFCBA, opened the conference and encouraged delegates to take advantage of the opportunities offered by this event which featured many high-calibre speakers.
Delegates learned about the Word Trade Organization’s Agreement on Trade Facilitation and its anticipated impact for Angola generally and customs brokers specifically. A National Committee on Facilitation will be the key forum for discussing international trade matters going forward. Throughout the presentations, consideration was given to the current and future role of customs brokers in Angola. Delegates actively participated in the Question and Answer periods that followed each presentation.
Inalda Menjenje, the Director General of Customs and Revenue for Angola held the audience’s intention as she gave a comprehensive presentation on risk management within her department. She referred to well-trained customs brokers as risk management experts. The high level of interest in her words was evidenced by the many thoughtful questions raised afterward. The level of openness demonstrated by Dr. Menjenje sets a very positive stage for future consultations between the Customs department and customs brokers. Many countries would be pleased to have a Customs leader with Ms. Menjenje’s knowledge and attitude.
IFCBA Secretary Carol West spoke to delegates about “Customs Brokers and SMEs in the Growth of the World Economy”. She expanded on the critical roles played by national customs brokers associations in providing value to members, their clients as well as to government. Associations represent the interests of their members and their members’ clients to government but they also can play a critical role in developing the knowledge and expertise of their members by providing education and professional development programs. SMEs in particular rely on the expertise of customs brokers – a knowledgeable, professional customs broker is critical to the development of SMEs as the drivers of a country’s economic growth.
Mr. Jaime Pires Mateus spoke specifically of the important role of customs brokers in accurately assessing amounts owing to the government and in presenting high quality customs declarations. He characterized the customs broker as an important ally in fighting commercial fraud.
Many speakers encouraged the CDO to continue its work in promoting the transparency and publication of government policy and procedures relating to trade and to consider how best to serve its members’ needs in the field of training. The future of Angola depends on the forward-thought of its citizens particularly those who have the opportunity to positively influence its future economic growth.
The active participation of delegates during the question and answer periods and the high levels of commitment and skill evidenced by the CDO leadership team throughout the conference bode well for the CDO’s future. Congratulations to Pedro Da Costa Bequengue and the other CDO leaders for a job incredibly well done!!
