Parliament Adopts Free Trade Proposal

Parliament has adopted a report by the Committee on National Economy, Trade and Labour Matters which proposes establishing a Tripartite Free Trade Area between COMESA, the East African Community and the SADC.

The committee’s chair Situmbeko Musokotwane said most stakeholders supported the government’s decision to ratify the trade area.

Nevertheless, he said Zambia still had some way to go in implementing measures to allow the active participation in trade with other countries.  

Deputy Chief Whip Tutwa Ngulube has said Zambian companies will be able to use the free trade area to expand the market for their products. 

Mr Ngulube said there are several products manufactured in Zambia which have the potential to compete on the international market. 

However, Nchanga MP Chilombo Chali - who himself supported the motion - said that although the free trade agreement would increase Zambia’s market access, there was a need for Zambia to find ways to protect its revenue collection.