The government emphasizes that the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) offers significant opportunities to boost Zambia's export earnings.
Lillian Bwalya, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Industry - Foreign Trade, underscores that AfCFTA provides a platform for Zambia to secure markets for its exports and foster trade with other African countries.
She highlights the importance of domesticating the agreement to enhance productivity, create employment, and achieve sustainable growth.
Bwalya emphasizes that AfCFTA is a homegrown African initiative designed to enhance intra-African trade among the 54 African Union countries.
Speaking in Lusaka during the final validation meeting for the domestication of the AfCFTA provisional tariff phase-down schedule, she stresses the need for stakeholder participation in shaping priorities during negotiations, aligning with the government's belief in inclusive trade policy-making processes.
The Permanent Secretary expresses gratitude for stakeholder involvement, stating that it contributes to forming a repository of information crucial for trade strategy formulation, negotiation preparation, and monitoring mechanisms.
She asserts that such consultations are integral to the country's participation in AfCFTA and the realization of Agenda 2063.
Bwalya emphasizes that the program serves as a valuable source of diverse information, anticipating insights from stakeholders on tariff reforms and their impact on trade and revenue.
Additionally, she highlights the role of stakeholder consultations in promoting transparency in Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. By fostering an inclusive and participatory process, these consultations contribute to open and predictable discussions, ensuring coherence in expectations among involved parties.
By Jajah Coulibaly
