Govt Launches Trade Portal

Government has launched the Zambia Trade Information Portal -ZTIP- which will provide all necessary Trade information from 23 government agencies aimed at reducing time and cost of doing business.

The portal will also enable traders to describe a product they want to trade and provide all necessary information such as duty rate, export and import permit requirements.

Speaking during the launch, Commerce Trade and Industry Minister Christopher Yaluma said the portal is expected to enhance trade through easy provision of information to traders and allow them to comply with import, export and transit requirements for Zambia.

Mr. Yaluma said during the Covid -19 the portal will be essential in reducing physical contact by availing a single authoritative trade regulatory information in one place and make it available at national, regional and International level.

He also thanked all the cooperating partners for the assistance in developing the information portal and the United States government for donating computers and laptops to support the implementation of the portal.

Meanwhile, Smart Zambia National Coordinator Dr. Martine Mtonga said the Ministry of Commerce will be supported with necessary security measures for the portal.

And, United States Charge de Affairs who delivered his speech virtually David Young said the launch of the portal is a huge milestone in ensuring that Zambia emerges out of the Covid-19 with essential tools for economic development.

Meanwhile, Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Kabuka Kakwesha said the private sector remains committed to support initiatives meant to enhance businesses and appealed to the Ministry to consider including local language options for traders.

And, International Finance Corporation Resident Representative Madalo Minofu said the portal will result in less visits to government institutions and pledged maintenance support of the portal in future