A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the Guyana National Industrial Company (GNIC) Inc. and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) for the construction of a container scanning facility is moving apace.
This is according to the GRA, who in a released statement said that the site, which is slated for completion in January 2018, will enable them to utilize cutting-edge technologies to scan not only imports, but also merchandise destined for foreign jurisdictions which meet the criteria for trading with some of Guyana’s major partners. One such is the Unites States which requires universal scanning of all containers entering that jurisdiction.
The GRA said that it became somewhat limited in this capacity after the stationary scanner at the Guyana National Shipping Corporation (GNSC) Lombard Street location became inoperable in 2014 and the mobile x-ray imaging scanner acquired in 2014 also experienced some operational challenges during 2016.
According to the Revenue Authority, the mobile X-ray imaging scanner will be situated at this location, together with a new fixed container scanner which is being procured through grant-aid from China, and projected to become operational by mid-2018.
Highlighting the benefits of acquiring and consolidating the scanners, GRA said it will “reduce trade transaction costs and time, improve international competitiveness and promote international maritime security and safety. In pursuit of these objectives and the estimated projected increase in container traffic, the GRA has been having ongoing discussions with wharf-owners and other stakeholders in investing in such equipment so that container scanning will form part of their routine operations.”
