The 20th Summit of the COMESA Heads of State and Government has officially opened in Lusaka, with a call to member states to deceit from trading in raw commodities.
Speaking during the official opening of the two days summit, being held under the theme “Towards Digital Economic Integration” President Edgar Lungu said COMESA member states should endeavour to invest in value addition and export finished goods.
He noted that COMESA cannot afford to continue trading in raw materials among member states and outside the African continent.
President Lungu said the dependence by member states to be supplied with finished products by foreign markets from raw materials obtained from COMESA region should be discarded.
The Head of State urged COMESA member states to work closely with the private sector in soliciting for finances to invest in value addition by individual economies.
President Lungu pointed out that the investing in value addition will turn the COMESA region into a hub of manufacturing products.
Meanwhile, President Lungu who said technology is a vital catalyst for enhancing accelerated growth and development also stated that member states have a huge challenge of ensuring that they fully embrace the use of digital technology.
He emphasised that economies in COMESA region should not be left behind in adopting the use of technological applications as this will enhance trade and cooperation among member states.
ZANIS reports that President Lungu further urged member states to strive in creating vibrant economies whose benefits will be shared equally across the region and within member states.
In delivering a key note address, Madagascan President Hery Rajaonarimampianina who is also the Chairman of the COMESA Authority thanked President Lungu for accepting to host the 20th Summit of the COMESA Heads of State and Government.
President Rajaonarimampianina appealed to COMESA member states to support initiatives aimed at resolving conflicts in war torn countries in the continent.
He noted that without peace and stability, it will be difficult for regional economic bodies in the continent to achieve their set ideals.
President Rajaonarimampianina said Africa will only be attractive for investment when guns are silenced in war torn countries.
The Head of State urged the newly admitted countries Tunisia and Somalia to COMESA to contribute to further grow the regional organisation.
He said the use of ICTs in COMESA creates an opportunity for member states to deepen economic trade cooperation and relations.
And Rwandan Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente pledged his country’s continued support in upholding the ideals of COMESA.
Mr. Ngirente said Rwanda is committed in remaining a key player to the growth and prosperity of COMESA.
He noted that Rwanda is implementing the use of digital technology in order to enhance the flow of trade within the region.
And outgoing COMESA Secretary General, Sindiso Ngwenya, implored member states to continue rendering united support to COMESA.
Mr. Ngwenya observed that without due support, it will be difficult for the institution to leave to the ideals of COMESA.
The Outgoing Secretary General called for increased trade cooperation within the continent and among the member states.
He noted that with more trade, artificial boundaries set by the colonial masters will be destroyed, allowing smooth trade cooperation and integration.
Bati is lungu normal ?
What value additions have you Mr lungu foreseen take place in Zambia ?
The worst criminality was awarding the lebanses of lamise to partner with RATSA for our traffic mangment denying Zambians a chance to lead in traffic management …..another top crime was you awarded a $67 million ZAF uniform import to your cronies while millions of Zambians remain unemployed and we export raw cotton……
Don’t take this man serious…
Look who is taking. I know he doesn’t believe what was written for him. Shame!
It will never be president! Don’t worry!
Can we export Lungu? Since he is a finished president?
Childish?
HH is not normal and so ha his followers who never realise that he is UNELECTABLE.
Let’s roll … that’s how we run this country. Life Is A Serious Enterprise … What A Sweet Life ~ B R Mumba, Sr.
Zambia Is Greater Than Any Single One Of Us ~ B R Mumba, Sr.
Whining Is Not A Winning Strategy ~ B R Mumba, Sr.
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What ECL is saying is an old platitude. There is no new thinking on this issue. Intra-COMESA trade is going on fairly well. The border delays still remain a problem. I see Egyptian, Botswana, Kenyan, Zimbabwean and Namibian goods in Zambian supermarkets. Soon Tunisian and Moroccan goods. Zambia is exporting goods to Tanzania, DRC, Rwanda, Burundi etc.
meantime he is busy killing local industry in Zambia by giving Chinese to do all government funded projects and small scale industry like brick making.
The visionary president! Way to go! Animo farm above camubaba!
Dont mind this Lazy thing Edgar, he does not understand what he reads…
Lazy bum insolent tribalist hooligan and bully leader and son of a polygamist tribalist father hat it Hagain!
wow. The hatred is disturbing “sharon”. May I implore you to just post you view without tribal or hate speech. We are in a modern age. Let’s agree to disagree but still get along. You are not representing a good picture of PF.
I have said it before, we can disagree but still remain civil and not fan hatred.
Just a humble request from your brother and fellow citizen
Who’s the short guy in pyjama’s?
hahahaha
Just because he is dressed in an attire your colonised brain can not understand your ridicule him…him dressed like that promotes African businesses
I’m changing my last name to maaaaujjjjjjaaammckfjfjfgjgirrirselungu
Lungu s not serious; other Comesa countries are producing while he is busy buying from them; why not implore his government and our business community to do what he read on paper?
Mafikizolo ati Who’s the short guy in pyjama’s?