• It now activates a long term reviewable preferential trade relationship between Zambia and Angola.
• This will expand the export market for both countries.
• The two governments should coordinate and prioritize implementation of a harmonized customs and standards framework.
Ndola and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry says operationalization of the 2016 Zambia Angola Bilateral Trade Agreement through the recently signed Addendum will expand the export market for both countries.
Chamber President Paul Chisunka told Money FM News that the MoUs signed between Angolan and Zambian companies have to be regularly monitored and evaluated to ensure that the deliverables are met.
Mr. Chinsuka stated that the trade agreement now activates a long term reviewable preferential trade relationship between Zambia and Angola, adding that Chamber members are ready to competitively respond to trade inquiries from that country.
“We congratulate the Minister of Commerce Chipoka Mulenga and his team for ensuring the operationalization of the 2016 Zambia Angola Bilateral Trade Agreement through the Addendum recently signed. The importance of this is that it now activates a long term reviewable preferential trade relationship between Zambia and Angola which will expand the export market for both countries,” Mr. Chinsuka stated.
He added that the two governments should coordinate and prioritize implementation of a harmonized customs and standards framework in order to break down any trade barriers that might hinder trade between the two countries so as to fully actualize trade.
“The Government’s Technical Working Groups must work very closely with the private sector in order to ensure we extract maximum benefit and attain our strategic trade and economic objectives as a country – and to ensure the inclusive participation of various industries and businesses in this bilateral trade agreement,” he added.
On 14th April 2022, Zambia and Angola signed a historic Addendum to implement stalled Bilateral Trade Agreement of 2016.
The Addendum, which was signed in Luanda, Angola by the two Ministers of Trade, Chipoka Mulenga of Zambia and Victor Fernandes of Angola, unlocks the deadlock that has halted the operationalization of the Bilateral Trade Agreement for six years.
