Public tax collector Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) says it has sent two of its senior staff on secondment to ministries of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and Trade and Industry to improve investments and trade in the country.
MRA spokesperson Steve Kapoloma said the authority has removed Agnes Katsonga Phiri, who was the commissioner responsible for customs and excise and has since been sent to Ministry of Trade and Industry.
He said director of tax investigations Henry Ngutwa has been reassigned to Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
Kapoloma said government is establishing a one-stop investment centre under Malawi Investment and Trade Centre (Mitc) to give potential investors all answers and assistance on various matters such as acquisition of land, permits and customs and tax incentives.
Said Kapoloma: “To this one stop investment centre, MRA decided to second a senior officer who is experienced in tax and customs matters, who could meet and assist investors and offers advice on the spot. Mrs Katsonga Phiri has, therefore, been seconded to Mitc.”
Kapoloma said Katsonga Phiri has a lot of experience in Southern Africa Development Community (Sadc), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa), world trade and world customs, hence her secondment.
On Ngutwa, Kapoloma said he has been seconded to the Ministry of Justice where, a tax lawyer, he is expected to work hand in hand with the ministry in drafting international tax treaties such as those on double taxation agreements.
Kapoloma said Ngutwa would be instrumental in drafting a new Tax Administration Act, and a review of the taxation and customs laws designed to modernise tax administration.
