Govt unveils report identifying constraints, proposing remedial measures anchored on trade

The government of Zambia has launched a report that identifies constraints and proposes remedial measures anchored on trade, with a special focus on export diversification and addressing supply side constraints.

The 2023 Diagnostic Trade Integration Study Update (DTISU) Report is an analytical tool under the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Programme which was developed to support Least Developed Countries (LDCs) mainstream trade in national development plans for sustainable development.

Acting Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Trade and Industry, Nalituba Mwale, explained that the report presented prioritised recommendations in the DTISU 2023 Action Matrix and focuses on trade facilitation.

At the launch of the report on Friday, Mwale stated that the document also made recommendations on export diversification in goods and services, and adapting to emerging issues like the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, digitalisation and e-Commerce.

“The Study Report has critically analysed factors affecting Zambia’s trade potential, including access to finance, high cost of doing business, inadequate trade facilitation systems, Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) and poor trade support infrastructure ranging from digital to e-commerce, as well as border and trade logistical infrastructure,” she said.

Mwale stated that it was comforting to note that the development of the DTISU Report was a product of wider consultations covering all corners of the country.

“For us as government, we consider the wider consultation as good practice that has helped the Study to reflect what is happening in the country and this will also help in achieving ownership as government proceeds to develop specific projects that can address some of the challenges identified in the Study,” she said.

Speaking earlier, EIF National Steering Committee Chairperson, Laurian Haangala, said the report had been developed through a consultative and participatory process.

“The process involved stakeholders from all the 10 Provinces of the country and for the first time, the members of the National Steering Committee were actively involved in the process,” Haangala said.

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