Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary, Lillian Bwalya, says the comprehensive review of the 2018 National Trade Policy has been driven by the continuously evolving economic landscape both domestically and globally.
Mrs Bwalya said there is need to review the policy to match the current economic landscape despite Zambia’s continued improvement mainly in import and export, with export performance supported by increase in traditional export from selected products.
She said it is high time the ministry and other stakeholders reviewed the policy in order to reposition the country in its full advantage of referential treatment in the trading enjoyed under the Common Market for Southern and Eastern Africa (COMESA) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
She said this in a speech read on her behalf by Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Director in charge of Coordination and Delivery, Simmy Chapula, during the stakeholder consultation review of the Zambia National Trade Policy.
Mrs Bwalya further revealed that the recent WTO policy review highlights the urgent need to diversify exports beyond copper, enhance agriculture productivity, and expand participation in services and digital trade.
The Permanent Secretary added that the policy review also looked at bridging the gaps that limit participation, adding that women and youths are critical accelerators of economic growth.
She however said the consultations place particular emphasis on listening to the views of women, youths and persons living with disabilities in order to integrate them into the revised national trade policy and ensuring that the future of trade and policy in Zambia reflects the aspirations and potential of people.
She has since expressed appreciation to Global Affairs Canada and Facilitating Inclusive Resilient and Sustainable Trade (FIRST) Project for their continued support in Zambia’s trade and export agenda.
Meanwhile, FIRST Team Leader, Nadiza Bayat, said the review comes at the right moment in helping to address the economic challenges.
Ms Bayat emphasised the importance of inclusive trade, adding that it drives productivity, strengthens value chains and ensures that growth is sustained.
