Democratic Republic of Congo, 16th October Government has reiterated its commitment to supporting Zambian businesses to access export market for their products and services.
Ministry of Commerce Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Trade Lillian Bwalya says the two government will play their role by reducing barriers, improving infrastructure, and enhancing regional cooperation.
In a speech read on her behalf by Director of Human Resources Nalituba Mwale at the official opening of the Zambia Outward Trade Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mrs. Bwalya urged participating businesses to establish long-term networks that will grow trade and investment for the prosperity of the two countries.
“The Zambia Development Agency has worked tirelessly to facilitate this mission and ensure that our companies are well-prepared to engage in business-to-business meetings with buyers from DRC through Fédération des Enterprises du Congo (FEC),” she explained.
She has noted that DRC continues to be a key trading partner and an important gateway to growing Zambia’s exports. And ZDA Director Export Promotion Jessica Chombo who spoke on behalf of ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa says the agency aims to enhance trade flows between the two countries.
Mr. Halwampa explained that the Zambian delegation comprised over 40 enterprises, representing key sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, engineering, and services.
He underscored the objectives of the trade mission which is to enhance trade flows between Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“We aim to immerse more Zambian businesses in the Congolese business environment, helping them tap into the wealth of opportunities in that country and committed to streamlining the export process, ensuring that our entrepreneurs can navigate it with ease and efficiency,” echoed Mr. Halwampa.
He urged the Zambian companies to forge a win-win partnership with their Congolese counterparts to ensure that the collaboration between the two countries is sustainable. Meanwhile, Felix Siame Consul General of Zambia accredited to DRC expressed pleasure at the large turnout of Zambian and Congolese businesses ready to explore and seize new opportunities.
“I am confident that the interactions, meetings, and agreements that will take place over the next few days will culminate in increased trade volumes, successful partnerships, and long-term investments,” said Mr. Siame.
And FEC vice president Lambat Mutondo said the Trade Mission has the potential to deepen and strengthen relations between the two countries. Mr Mutondo said the mission will further strengthen both the Zambian and Congolese Economies.
