HH AIMS FOR VALUE ADDITION TO EXPLOIT COMESA MARKET
BY BRIAN MWALE
President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA says government wants to maximize its membership with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa -COMESA- to promote industrialization and job creation.
President HICHILEMA says this can be achieved through promoting value addition and processing of goods targeted at the 550-million population in the regional block.
Speaking when he met COMESA Secretary General CHILESHE KAPWEPWE in Lusaka today, the President said it is important to use the COMESA platform to create jobs for citizens to fulfill promises made during elections.
He emphasized the need for regional trade among COMESA member States and other regional blocks within the continent.
President HICHILEMA further noted that COMESA member States will only benefit from the regional block if they are seeing value and change among citizens.
He however expressed concern on cases of truck drivers being harassed and killed in some instances.
President HICHILEMA said trucks are now piling up at borders because drivers are scared of crossing over into some countries.
He urged the COMESA Secretary General to ensure the issue is addressed.
The President also noted the need for facilities that will support cross border traders easily and effectively cross borders for their businesses.
And Ms. KAPWEPWE said the regional body has focused on digitizing border clearance in view of Covid-19.
She said this involves online submission of soft copies of documents so that trade continues to run smoothly amidst the pandemic.
Ms. KAPWEPWE further stated that COMESA has been supporting infrastructure development for member States like at border points as part of eliminating trade limitations.
MEANWHILE, President HICHILEMA’s Covid Advisor ROMA CHILENGI said COMESA’s 5-hundred and 50-million population, with weak health systems provide an increased risk of Covid to spread.