GOVERNMENT says it is concerned with the trade barriers South Africa has imposed on some Zambian products and has led to trade imbalances between the two countries, with earnings standing at K5.65 billion per annum.
Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Emmanuel Chenda said Government was negotiating with South Africa to relax its rules on the export of Zambian products to that country’s market.
Mr Chenda said this in Parliament on Tuesday evening, in a follow up question on why South Africa was not allowing the export of grapes from Zambia on suspicion that they were infested with a pest known as Maconellicoccus Hirsutus.
Patriotic Front (PF) Lupososhi Member of Parliament (MP) Bwalya Chungu asked the minister if the disease existed, but Mr Chenda said laboratory results from Zambia and South Africa had shown that there was not such a thing.
“These are just trade gimmicks that South Africa is doing with us. Laboratory tests conducted both in Zambia and South Africa have proved that this pest does not exist.
“We have, however, continued to negotiate with our counterparts to allow the export of grapes from Zambia in that country,” Mr Chenda said.
Mr Chenda told Parliament that grapes grown in Zambia were being exported to the European Union and consumed by people in that region with no problems at all.
He said this when MMD Liuwa MP Situmbeko Musokotwane questioned if the grapes from Zambia were being exported to other countries.
Earlier Commence Deputy Minister Richwell Siamunene told Parliament that a pest risk assessment was conducted and submitted through the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute and the National Plant Protection Organisation of South Africa and proved that the pest did not exist.
Mr Siamunene said this following a question from United Party for national Development Kalabo Central MP Chinga Miyutu.
retaliation!!!!
Whatever get produced in Zambia tends to be 4 times more expensive than what’s produced in South Africa. Do you honestly think you can sell?
That’s the problem of having dunderheads as Ministers.
South frica will always do whatever it takes to protect their industry. Unlike Zambia which accepts anything mediocre especially from china. In South Africa, they say “Local is Lekker, Proudly South African”.
@ OldrugsOut: You exude a lot of bitterness in post! I wonder why! Its not good for anyone including yourself.
@OldRugsOUT, if that’s the case, why then is the South African govt putting artificial barriers in the way? Why can’t they let the South African market decide on its own? I presume South Africans are smart consumers, if Zambian grapes are expensive, well, South Africans will choose not to buy them and take their money somewhere else. But that should be the choice of a consumer in RSA, and NOT the govt!
If Zambian grapes can sell in Europe where even cheaper choices from regions like Australia and South America abound, what is so special about South Africa that Zambian grapes can’t compete? This is just PROTECTIONISM on the part of South Africa. And it is such actions by certain member States in the SADC that are delaying the full and genuine economic integration of the region.
Mopao when were u last in South Africa? There re Chinese malls all over selling the same things you re condemning.
Why worry about one country … we should be looking at creating wineries instead. More value added than raw grapes for export. The smart people of the Zambian Enterprise need to be oriented that way.
Who said good international relations wea not important? With Vice prez was busy calling SA backward, how about it now?
And you think this PROTECTIONISM from by South Africa started after VP Scott called them a name? Yes, international relations are essential. But Zambia did NOT start growing or exporting grapes the morning after V.P. Guy Scott said what he said. My friend, check the history of South Africa on some of these issues before you apportion blame.
By the way, if I recall correctly, the comment V.P. Scott made was directed at certain behaviors by certain individuals in the South African govt. Behaviors which irritates not only Zambian officials but many other countries’ dignitaries. Only Scott has the manly fortitude to call ‘a spade a spade’—read some South African news media/blogs about that comment, you will be shocked how many South African agrees with V.P. Scott.
Remember that Mr Sata “slapped” comrade Zuma in Ethiopia at the African Union a fortnight ago. Just advise your boss to stop making fun and degrading other presidents who are responsible and respected by people in their countries.
What do you expect from mocking president Zuma’s bald head Mr Chenda? Instead of your Sata taking advantage of the meeting and address Zuma on this national important issue, alas, Sata could only manage to “annoy” the South African president.
Self made inflictions because of poor leadership in PF.
Rubbish Rantings ….Zuma poured scorn on all Africans especially Malawians when he said South Africans should stop thinking like Africans..”you are not Africans, stop thinking like Africans” this scorn to you is OK since it is coming from Zuma. What an inferior person you are …shaaaa.
On this one the Zambian Government must retaliate by imposing barriers on the south african grapes period. Thats what every country does it..hitting back.
Peace and Prosperity to Mother Zambia.
wat agriculture products can zambia xpot to south africa?thats good south africa continue teaching them a lesson,zambia needs to be taught a serious lessons,this bunch doesnt appreciate international relations,let guy scott that south africans are backward say it again,viva mzansi.by way due to kaponya mentality evrything pf is expoting is of low quality they compromise due to lack of expertise fimofimo
My goodness, some of you people are so shallow and superficial in your comments, it is simply amazing!
Do you think the grapes being talked about here are grown and exported by “PF Kaponyas”? It is ordinary Zambian farmers, who are working hard every day doing their part to contribute to the economy of our country. It is through such exports that Zambia will be able to lift your poor cousins, nephews, nieces and a bunch of your extended family living in Zambia out of poverty. Even if you hate the current Govt, there are issues which should invoke a little bit of patriotism in all of us as Zambians.
By the way, how do hope to succeed when, some day, your preferred folks come to power and find the economy stunted? Wave a magic wand and create Haven on earth!?
Think people!
Why complain about South Africa when the same Zambian government has the same policy towards the Western Province’s cattle industry. Western Province has been banned from selling cattle to the rest of Zambia because of the so called Bovine TB. And yet the Zambian govt has a livestock ministry that is supposed to vaccinate cattle.
Find other markets please.Its like selling ice to an Eskimo. South Africa produces enough grapes to feed the whole SADC. Its a waste of time banking on the SA market.
Wake up minister
@ Vintu. You are the only one who has said something which makes some sense on this topic. The rest are disappointing as usual. Why cant we flood our own market with locally produced grapes before crying about exporting to south africa who I think don’t need our grapes. From the little geography I learnt, grapes grow easily in south Africa than in Zambia.
But South Africa exports grapes to Zambia…..what do you say ?
@skeletkn..I am rather disappointed with your contribution,little do you know that these presidents chat alot off coverage, hence the jokes,leave them alone and concentrate on the subject matter of imbalance of trade.@Goncave update your file,govt is currently running vaccination programmes againest bovine TB northwastern and western provinces its only wise to restrict movement while livestock dept do their work.Consult more with the dept before blogging..You see that’s how we come in and try to avoid people misleading the nation like most bloggers above.
*Chinyama,
Please don’t be and sympathize with with me. I have loved Zambia all my life but its disheartening to see the country being spoilt by our parents whilst we watch and look. All I said was that, Mr Sata should have sorted out this issue with Mr Zuma face to face at that time.
When will the Zambian leaders start respecting the wishes of people they claim to represent? Our people are suffering poverty, the levels’ are at an alarming rate. For the #2 producer if not # one, of copper can’t even have street lights and no synergies across many communities in the country should be condemned. Many are the rivers, but no food on the majority peoples tables.
Never meant to disappoint anyone but to face reality because I tired of trivial politics of lies in Zambia. We disagree to…
Mr Minister then why do your government allow Shoprite Checkers and Pick nPay import grapes when the local grapes can do in these hyper store super markets.Be like Nigerians.When the South African government were/was victimise the Nigerians with the issue of yellow card ,what the Nigerians did in retaliation was to send back a full plane load of South Africans back to Joberg and in less than a week visa and yellow card restriction among the Nigerians travelling to and through South Africa were eased or done away with.These countries they need each other and its time our government played it the hard way as well.But with the useless MPs and Ifipuba ministers in government I wonder if they can stand against South Africa.No wonder a south African farm labourer when to work in Zambia is a boss
I didn’t know that grapes are grown in Zambia. do we grow apples? mr minister, why complain about South Africa/ Just restrict food items in shoprite from SA. Have some brains for tit for tat.
Its protection of markets and as you have said wonderline. What Zambia should do is restrict South African products those that Zambia produces e.g grapes -Shoprite should only be allowed to sell Zambian grapes to customers and should not accept any from South Africa as well as restrict potatoes from South Africa and sell only Zambian potatoes.
what moderation?
The president is supposed to be the face of government. When things are not working in the country, as appears to be the case, he should come out and tell the people what his government plans to do about it. It is like a father staying in the bedroom when there is no food in the house or the children cannot pay their school fees. I believe the government has taken on more projects than it can handle. The sour international relations has not helped either. The president is accountable to the people that voted him into office.
Zambians the way you mauth about your own is shamefull how do you hate yourself,to distruction you are cowards who are not better than merceneries if you don’t like this country why live in it go to where you think you belong
@ Vintu. You are the only one who has said something which makes some sense on this topic. The rest are disappointing as usual. Why cant we flood our own market with locally produced grapes before crying about exporting to south africa who I think don’t need our grapes. From the little geography I learnt, grapes grow easily in south Africa than in Zambia.
You need to add to your little Geography. I think we are basically looking at what SA is allowed to bring in on a balance of what we can sell to them. And yes, unless you left under KK who made you believe you couldn’t do a lot of things, a lot more things than you ever imagined are now produced in Zambia, especially agricultural produce.
Kalok. Yes you can grow anything anywhere because of research and technology (GMO and all that…) but some crops grow easily in certain climatic condition.
I didn’t know that we grow grapes in Zambia at large scale even for export. Why crying for S.A market just promote our grapes and our local food country wide.
I didn’t know that we grow grapes in Zambia at a large scale even for export. If the S.A market they don’t want our product better to promote on our local market country wide.
Our local food zero Km is the best. Viva Zambia.
LT, post my comments! Why are you holding them?????????????
Make Zuma come to UTH for medical check ups!!!
CLOSE SHOPRITE.
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?
AFER ALL WE FIRED OUR NURSES.
This comment is the worst on this page,feel ashemed when you blog nonsense,it’s called humanity.
I am disappointed with all above solutions. No one is mentioned making of WINE! and fine cognac!
Exporting grapes to SA? smh
LT is blocking part of the word G r a p e s after the G
Imwe ba Minister, Just retaliate by stopping south african grapes entering Zambia period. The solution is there why wasting time.
Peace and Prosperity to Mother Zambia.
the Minister states that the disease does not exist? it took me about 2 seconds to look it up on google: “The Maconellicoccus hirsutus, (also known as the pink, grape or hibiscus mealybug) is a pest of many plants, trees, and shrubs”
At least you can say “was not found in Zambian grapes”.
cut them aswell. wuseless trade partners
No engage them (sa)they are very civilized,they may just try to take advantage when they see an opportunity to block any business man will, but Zambia put your foot down and get recognized,in trade the s.a prices are good and our grapes taste differently hence the preference by consumers leading to the trade embargo.Well done Zambia.