By 
The Fourth Bilateral Trade Meeting between Zambia and Tanzania has commenced, highlighting the crucial role of Bilateral Trade Relations in driving Economic Integration within Africa amidst a rapidly evolving global trade landscape.
The Technical meeting aims to take stock of progress made on key action points agreed upon during the last meeting held in Tanzania from the April 15 to April 16, 2024 and addressed persistent Non-Tariff Barriers (NTB’s) hindering trade and growth of both Zambia and Tanzania.
This is according to a statement issued in Lusaka on Tuesday by Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Principal Public Relations Officer, Everness Nankala.
In his opening remarks, Zambia’s Technical Level Co-Chairperson Dr. Simon Ng’ona who is Director of Foreign Trade, in the Ministry was quick to recognize the crucial role both Governments and the Private Sector play in promoting trade between the two countries.
“We need to carefully look at these persistent Non-Tariff Barriers and collectively agree on how we can resolve them. Integration within Africa will have to start at Bilateral level, and we are committed to working together to achieve this goal,” Ng’ona said.
He expressed confidence that, through open and constructive dialogue, Zambia and Tanzania would be able to identify solutions that address the concerns of traders, while advancing the broader goals of industrialisation, value addition, and regional integration that both countries share.
Ng’ona also acknowledged Tanzania’s significant role in regional affairs, particularly within Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Meanwhile, Tanzania’s Technical Level Co-Chairperson Dr. Freddy Liundi, who is Director of Trade Integration, Tanzanian Ministry of Industry and Trade, emphasized the strong bonds of brotherhood and cooperation between the two Nations.
Liundi noted that Zambia and Tanzania shared a long history of partnership, mutual respect, and a shared vision for regional integration and sustainable development.
“Through open dialogue, constructive engagement, and a spirit of collaboration, both countries aim to achieve concrete and actionable outcomes that will enhance Trade Facilitation and promote prosperity for their citizens,” he said.
According to Nankala, the Bilateral meeting is expected to act as an impetus in solving challenges facing trade development and investment between the two nations.
She said the Technical Meeting provided a platform for both countries to discuss ways of enhancing trade cooperation, leveraging their strategic locations and resources to promote economic growth and development.
“This Bilateral Trade meeting is also expected to yield concrete and actionable outcomes that will enhance trade facilitation and promote economic growth,” Nankala stated.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments