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Zambia and Zimbabwe have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral trade and economic cooperation during the 5th Joint Trade and Customs Committee (JTCC) meeting held in Livingstone.
The meeting brought together senior government officials from both countries to deliberate on key trade, customs, and investment matters aimed at fostering closer economic ties.
In his opening remarks, Zambia’s Permanent Secretary for Investment and Industrialisation in the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Crusivia Hichikumba, underscored the importance of the JTCC as a platform for advancing economic collaboration between the two nations.
He stressed the urgent need to address persistent challenges, particularly Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) such as surtaxes and levies on essential commodities, which have hindered trade efficiency, dampened business confidence, and disrupted regional value chains.
Hichikumba reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to aligning their trade and economic initiatives with regional and continental frameworks, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to facilitate seamless economic integration.
He commended the enduring partnership between Zambia and Zimbabwe and called for continued cooperation in pursuit of shared prosperity.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Albert Ranganai Chimbindi, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling mutual trade and development challenges.
He advocated for honest, open dialogue to resolve trade and customs issues, promoting economic growth and regional integration.
Ambassador Chimbindi also reiterated Zimbabwe’s commitment to honouring its obligations under international treaties such as COMESA, AfCFTA, and the World Trade Organization (WTO).
He further highlighted that economic progress for one country cannot be achieved in isolation, stressing the need for deepened cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The 5th JTCC meeting is expected to deliberate on various trade facilitation measures aimed at boosting economic ties and addressing operational bottlenecks at shared border posts.
It offered a strategic platform for both countries to strengthen their trade and investment landscapes, unlock sustainable industrial growth, enhance value addition, and promote skills development.
The outcomes of the meeting are anticipated to deliver tangible economic benefits for the citizens of both Zambia and Zimbabwe while advancing the broader goal of regional integration.
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