· The nature and magnitude of the risks vary from country to country. 7.2 Common Challenges Some of the common challenges identified in facilitating trade in the region include: · Different legal provisions administered by various Member states · Lack of a regional approach in ICT ; · Poor turnaround times in exchange of information; · Poor mechanisms for addressing integrity in member states; 7.3 SADC Regional Strengths and Weakness National stakeholder partnerships Customs administrations partner with security and other enforcement agencies that are established in member states. Such partnerships include – · Government agencies such as the police, immigration, state security, health, agriculture, etc. · Private sector bodies such as clearing agent’s associations, port and airport community, chambers of commerce, etc. (The above represents both an opportunity as well as a risk) Bilateral initiatives Member states are implementing Mutual Administrative Assistance agreements that support joint or parallel enforcement activities within their territories. Strategic Partnerships Customs administrations may partner with both inter- and nongovernmental bodies such as SADC, WCO, UNECA and UNCTAD to strengthen ICT capacity. Regional initiatives Customs administrations in the Region will leverage on other ICT agencies / bodies’ and initiatives available from regional and international organisations in enhancing regional ICT capacity. Such capacities will include: · Data Exchange and IT connectivity · Regional Transit Management system 8 Draft SADC Customs ICT Strategy 2012 Page 8