Government has launched the National Trade Policy and National Export Strategy which will serve as a blue print for government activities in growing the trade sector.
Speaking during the launch, Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Christopher Yaluma said the documents are aligned with the Seventh National Development Plan which is based on an integrated multi-sectoral development approach.
Mr Yaluma said the aim of the National Trade Policy is to contribute towards the country’s economic diversification by promoting and stimulating a competitive trade sector.
He also said the National Trade policy will address issues of non-tariff measures to promote safety and fair trading in the economy.
Mr Yaluma further said the policy will also promote sustainable growth of infant industries and improve quality of high value products.
On the National export strategy, the Minister it will place the country’s export development at the center of economic diversification agenda.
Mr Yaluma said the strategy will contribute towards sustainable and inclusive social-economic development and promote interventions that will assist the private sector to develop.
Meanwhile Ministry of Commerce Permanent Secretary Kayula Siame said the general target of the National Export strategy is to grow total exports by 15 percent in value annually and to grow nontraditional exports by 25 percent in value by 2021.
Ms Siame said the implementation of the National trade policy and the National export strategy needs collective effort from all key stakeholders.
