Technocrats in Livestock and Fisheries have noted the significance of regional trade in boosting economic growth for Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo with the aim of formalising markets as well as enhancing revenue.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing 14th Session of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia, Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security, being held in Lubumbashi Haut-Katanga Province in the DRC, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Principal Economist for Trade and Agribusiness, Winford Lukubi highlighted the need to tap into the massive Congolese market to enhance trade in the region.
Mr Lukubi, highlighted that as a Ministry that also looks at trade facilitation among other services to do with exports called on Zambians to support his Ministry’s exportation of products to countries like the DRC.
Mr Lukubi stated that there is need to tap into the vast Congolese market through value chains such as daily produce, like beef or fish among other products.
He said this will assist in enhancing trade for economic growth for both countries.
“Zambians need not to be afraid of going out of their comfort zone but must be able to embrace the export trade for Zambia’s posterity,” he said.
Chief Fisheries Research Officer, Bornwell Seemani expressed that in order to tap into the Congolese big market in fish exports there is need for regulations from both sides in order to curb unreported and illegal fishing
Dr Seemani noted that with an influx of these vices both sides need to come up with measures to be agreed by the two countries in order to conserve the resources.
He stated that once regulated fishing is put in place both countries will be able to collect revenue through taxes.
Dr Seemani noted that the bilateral talks between the two countries are vital as Zambia and the DRC share one of the major water bodies, which is Lake Mweru, which contributes about 10 percent of the country’s fish.
“So we are trying to formalise markets to see to it that production is enhanced and that we are able to conserve our fish,” Dr Seemani noted.
