MAN against smuggling in West Africa
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also speaking dr ngozi ejbuna the director-general west africa monetary institute wami said that the forum had made a lot of useful recommendations on the way forward to promote trade in the sub-region1 manufacturers association of nigeria man has kicked against smuggling in west african countries and appealed to the governments to address the menace in the region to ensure smooth trade among member states1 the theme of the forum is harnessing intra-west africa monetary zone wamz trade potential through value addition and diversification1 ahmed said that activities of smugglers had continued to hamper the progress of trade in west african countries1 according to him apart from the problem of smuggling some counties that are not members have taken advantage of the free trade movement agreement to sell their goods in the region1 he said that they packaged their goods in the names of member countries deceitfully to enable them sell their goods without hindrance1 the man president charged customs authorities in member states to live up to their responsibilities in tackling the activities of smugglers1 the president also decried the inability of small and medium enterprises smes operators to access finance as a major problem affecting smooth trade in the sub-region1 he said that in nigeria there were various initiatives by the central bank of nigeria cbn for smes operators to access funds but was being hampered by the stringent conditions attached to the funds1 the president of man alhaji mansur ahmed expressed disdain for smuggling at a joint news conference with other stakeholders at the ongoing 9th trade ministers forum on west african monetary zone in abuja1 ejbuna disclosed that the issue of harmonised standard products on competitive advantage in the zone was equally discussed1 she said that the resolutions of the meeting would be presented to the ministers for ratification on friday at the forum of ministers1 in his remarks mr nathaniel patray the governor central bank of liberia stressed the need for governments in west africa to create enabling environment for smooth trade in the sub-region1 patray explained that african governments must remove trade barriers ensure access to finance for businesses as well as provide good leadership for business to thrive1 he said that having an enabling environment was key and important for business to flourish in any part of the world1 if i talk about enabling environment i dont mean governments should construct roads but i mean the things hampering our businesses from moving forward in africa1 there is the need for governments to address problems affecting the businesses by re-examining our domestic policies he said1 the liberian apex governor also urged governments in various countries to increase salaries and wages of officers and men manning the borders to prevent corruption1 he said that some officers compromise by taking bribes at the border posts the attitude he said had hampered smooth trade in the sub-region1