Published: 09 April 2014

The Government was the country's biggest importer last year, accounting for more than 60 percent of $7 billion imports.

Zimbabwe has continued to have a skewed balance of trade position in over five years as imports continue to outrun exports, with current account deficit amounting to over $3 billion in 2013.

In the 2014 National Budget, Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa criticised Zimbabweans for "importing trinkets" in what he described as "irrational exuberance," reported New Ziana.

But Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) commissioner general Gershom Pasi told the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs that the government was in fact the country's largest importer, bringing goods worth over $4 billion last year.

Pasi was defending ZIMRA following accusations that it was not carrying out its duties properly as the economy was not realising much from customs duties, while import levels remained high.

"Of the $7 billion, $4,1 billion involves government imports which do not pay duties. Government imports do not pay duties but they are declared," he said.

Pasi said that all Zimbabweans, except the president, were by law expected to pay import duties.

"Even if they are ministers, they need to declare their goods and pay duties and if they do not, that is smuggling," he said.

Legislators have expressed concern that a number of ministers could be importing personal goods disguised as government goods to avoid paying taxes.

- New Ziana

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