Lawmakers Contemplate Easing Export Rules to Boost Trade

May 18 , 2024


[ssba-buttons]

  Ethiopia aims to revitalise its export sector with a revised export incentive policy. A bill that proposes a 40pc reduced penalty on unused duty-free raw materials made it to the Standing Committee on Budget & Finance last week. It amends the 2012 Export Trade Duty Incentive Schemes while exporters gain more flexibility to ship products manufactured using duty-free materials. It also allows exporters to re-export defective duty-free materials to the source country without penalty. Tesfaye Beljige, Government Chief Whip, argues this will expedite the work of exporters and boost foreign currency earnings. However, Parliamentarians have raised concerns about its alignment with international trade agreements and the potential loss of tax revenues. They pointed out the 70 billion Br loss from the duty-free imported items, requesting further discussion.


Radar

Bank of Abyssinia Signs Partnership with Droga Cooperative

Bank of Abyssinia has entered into a partnership agreement with Droga Health & Financial Savings and Credit Cooperative to provide financial support and services for its members. The agreement was signed yesterday at the Bank's headquarters. The deal aims to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions, enabling cooperative members to access tailored banking services. It was signed by Wosenyeleh Abera, Deputy CEO for Customer Relations and Marketing at the bank, and Zelalem Yilma...


Radar

Wegagen Introduces Real Time SWIFT Tracking

Wegagen Bank has launched a new mobile app feature enabling customers to track international SWIFT payments in real time. The bank is the first in Ethiopia to introduce an online SWIFT payment tracking system. By integrating SWIFT Global Payment Innovation, customers, particularly those involved in import-export trade, can monitor cross-border transactions using a Unique End-to-End Transaction Reference (UETR) directly from their smartphones. To use the service, customers select the SWIFT...


Radar

National ID, Zambia Partners to Expands Program Reach

The National ID Program has signed an agreement with Zambia's counterpart to provide consulting services for the development of software that will issue digital IDs. It is the first time the institution has extended its expertise beyond national borders, a sign of growing recognition for its rapid progress. Program officials described the partnership as a milestone in their effort to position themselves as a regional player in digital transformation. The collaboration is expected to center...