Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa Business Council (CBC) says it has facilitated discussions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia Transport and Logistics associations, on business impediments at the Kasumbalesa border post.

In a statement issued to Money FM News, CBC Chief Executive Officer Sandra Uweru said practices such as offloading of transit goods at the Kasumbalesa Border Post have become rampant, increasing incidences of smuggling and domestic price distortion, which has inadvertently impacted business sustainability, fair competition and the effective functioning of the markets and economies of DR Congo and Zambia.

“As private sector players we believe that through public private engagement, the strong commitments of the leaderships of DRC and Zambia will address the trade facilitation issues at the Kasumbalesa border post,” Ms. Uweru said.

Meanwhile COMESA Secretariat assistant Secretary General Dr. Dev Haman has reiterated the importance of ensuring smoother and transparent operations at Kasumbalesa border, and in line with COMESA’s vision of promoting trade and economic integration.

Dr. Haman also expressed appreciation to the DRC delegation for the dialogue with Zambian high-level authorities to amicably resolve the issues and address trade facilitation at the Kasumbalesa border post.

He said this after he received a delegation led by the Vice-President of Federations des Enterprise du Congo (FEC), Mr. Dieudonne Kasembo, accompanied by the representation from the DR Congo President’s office and the COMESA Business Council (CBC) Executive Management.