The Ministry of Industrialization and Trade (MIT) has launched an online platform where people can conveniently apply for import and export licenses. MIT expects the Import and Export Online System (IEOS) to help traders quickly file permit applications online from anywhere in the world. It further enables MIT officials to verify, approve and sign off permit applications, thereby enabling traders to print out their permits once approved. Minister Lucia Iipumbu says IEOS helps the ministry improve trade activities and reduces the cost and time it takes to apply for permits while enhancing transparency. She thanked different organisations, including the SADC Trading Related facility, funded by the UN and other partners for supporting the digitisation of the process. Iipumbu says traders can apply on the IEOS through their smartphones, computers and laptops, stressing that their applications can now be processed within one-to-three-days. She says the MIT will contact traders via SMS and emails, to approve their applications through the system. Minister Iipumbu has urged MIT clients to share with the ministry their experiences and challenges with the system to help improve it.