By Felix Katyetye
Tanzania and Zambia has concluded the third Bilateral Trade Meeting aimed at tackling trade barriers. The meeting held from April 15th to 18th, 2024 on the Tanzanian side of the Tunduma/Nakonde One Stop Border Post (OSBP) discussed ways of addressing and eliminating the lingering Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) obstructing trade between the two nations.
In a statement issued by Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry Public Relations Officer Musanda Kangwa said building upon the groundwork laid during the Bilateral Trade Ministerial Meeting held in November 2023 in Nakonde District, this latest gathering marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue between the two nations.
Kangwa said the meeting spearheaded by the directives of the respective Heads of State President Hakainde Hichilema and Tanzanian counterpart Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, underscored the imperative to fortify the long-standing trade, investment, and economic ties.
She adds that during their reciprocal visits in 2022 and 2023, the two Heads of State re-affirmed the paramount importance of nurturing bilateral relations, prompting concerted efforts to address trade impediments. Specifically, the Ministers of Trade from both nations were entrusted with the task of dismantling NTBs to foster a more conducive environment for trade and investment.
“The meeting jointly chaired by Omar S. Shaaban who is Minister for Trade and Industrial Development of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, and Zambia’s Commerce Minister Chipoka Mulenga, exemplified the collaborative spirit driving the bilateral agenda. “Both ministers underscored the unwavering commitment of their respective nations to harmonize trade policies and overcome challenges hindering the smooth flow of goods and services across borders,” Kangwa said.
She added that with a shared vision of unlocking the full potential of bilateral trade, Tanzania and Zambia reaffirmed their dedication to facilitating seamless commerce and fostering mutual prosperity. As discussions concluded, the stage is set for tangible progress in dismantling barriers and ushering in a new era of cooperation and economic growth between the two nations.
