Kinshasa: At least 50 trucks cross the Luvo border post every day, according to Pedro Marques, the Executive Administrator of the General Tax Administration (AGT). He made this announcement on Wednesday during the panel on the Formalization of Cross-Border Trade at the DRC-Angola Economic Forum, which continues through Thursday.

According to Angola Press News Agency, Pedro Marques emphasized that the Luvo border post in the province of Zaire is successfully accommodating the daily truck traffic, aligning with the actual demand for cross-border trade between Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He pointed out that the development of modern infrastructure has been a crucial factor in enhancing customs inspection and reducing transit times.

Despite these advancements, Marques acknowledged ongoing challenges such as informal practices, smuggling networks, and corruption within customs processes that undermine the efficiency of inspections and affect market competition. He advocated for the harmonization of regulations between Angola and the DRC, noting that discrepancies in tariffs and customs procedures often lead to grievances among transporters and operators, potentially obstructing full regional integration.

Marques also underscored the importance of continuous training for customs and logistics personnel to effectively manage modern systems and mitigate the risk of administrative overload, especially if trade volumes continue to increase. Additionally, he highlighted the necessity of constructing roads, warehouses, and logistical services to support the expected growth in trade activities.