Zambia Prepares for E-Commerce Development

Minister of Arts and Tourism, Ronald Chitotela has expressed his wish to expand global e-commerce systems into the international tourism sector and the services industry. The comments were made in reference to the upcoming 4th Global Cross-Border E-Commerce Conference, which is to be held in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China.

Speaking from his office of state, Mr Chitotela addressed Chairman of the Henan Guoji Industry Group, Mingzheng Xu over a virtual conference call.

The Minister hoped that once cross-border e-commerce is expanded, African nations such as Zambia will greatly benefit from the scheme.

The international e-commerce conference has been held three consecutive times since 2017 and is a jewel in China’s international trade crown, contributing to the China’s new silk road trade system: The Belt and Road initiative.

E-commerce is touted as a sustainable form of international trade and can allow many more, previously under-utilised markets to come into the fold via the online format, where previously physical distance and infrastructure would have blocked trading.

The Chairman of the Henan Guoju Industry Group, Mr Xu said that he hopes the 4th Conference will have a greater focus on goods and services, including the burgeoning tourism sector.