Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Chikopa Mulenga, says President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision is to transform the Zambian economy into an industrial hub in the region.
This industrialization drive will enable Zambia maximize benefits from the Continental Free Trade Area-AfCTA, which is a flagship program of the AU towards Agenda 2063.
The Minister says this can be noted from the business-friendly policies introduced to promote local and foreign investment in the country.
The Minister says as the situation stands, Zambians can now occupy space in the economic zones and produce goods for domestic and export markets.
He said the Government was putting in place deliberate measures to promote value addition and reduce the export of unprocessed goods and raw materials.This would enhance value and job opportunities particularly for the youth.
The Minister further said it was important that continental agenda on industrialization and trade should be anchored on each country’s comparative advantage to avoid duplication of products on the continent.
Mr Mulenga said the time had come for Africa to increase its intra-African Trade but cautioned that this should be done on mutual benefits among participating countries for sustainability.
The Minister was speaking with staff at the Embassy in Addis Ababa while in transit from the Democratic Republic of Congo, where he attended the Southern African Development Community-SADC- Council of Ministers under the theme’ promoting industrialization through agro-processing, mineral beneficiation and regional value chains for inclusive and resilient economic growth.
This is contained in a statement issued by Inutu Mupango Mwanza First Secretary-Press &Tourism Zambia Embassy, Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
