Zambia and Zimbabwe seek deeper cooperation to boost trade

Zambian President Edgar Lungu has said his country and Zimbabwe need to improve bilateral relations to boost trade between the two countries which however has been in favour of the northern neighbour.

Officially opening the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo today, Lungu said border agencies between the two countries must compliment efforts by private players from the two neighbours who have invested in the two countries.

He said trade between the two countries has strengthened over the years,  with Zambian exports into Zimbabwe topping $1.3 billion while imports from Zimbabwe were $486 million between 2010 and 2014.

“In terms of investments, the two countries have witnessed private sector players from both countries investing in both Zimbabwe and Zambia.”

He said business from the two countries needs to seize various business opportunities and accelerate economic growth.

“I would like to urge our border agencies to compliment the efforts of our private players to ensure that the trade between the two countries goes smoothly,” he said.

He said his government will also ensure that the Univisa, a common visa for the two countries that came into effect  when they co-hosted the 20th United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) general assembly in 2013, and the one stop border facility are enhanced to promote integration.-The Source

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