Zambia urged to simplify procedures

The World Bank (WB) has urged Zambia to establish trade blocs with neighbouring countries in order to open up new markets. Country director for Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe, Kundhavi Kadiresan, told a discussion forum organised by the Consumer Unit Trust Society (CUTS) International Zambia that the country had the potential to increase non-traditional exports (NTEs) to neighbouring countries. In order to exploit the opportunities it needs more trade engagements with neighbouring countries. Zambia has a lot of opportunities to increase NTEs through agricultural products like maize, soya beans and other products which calls for building trading blocs for integration, especially since it is a landlocked country,” Kadiresan said. Zambia is a net exporter of foods such as maize, pears, grapes and apples. Between 2008 and 2013 the maize harvested increased by 64%. The country has been a net exporter of wheat since 2013, while sugar production has doubled from 200 000 tons a year in 2000 to 400 000 tons in 2012, according to the Bureau for Agricultural Policy Baseline Agricultural Outlook study for 2013-2022. CAPTION Between 2008 and 2013 the maize harvested increased by 64%... trade blocs with neighbouring countries will open new markets.