Zambia, Vietnam Explore New Opportunities in Agriculture and Trade
Zambia and Vietnam have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, trade and economic development following high-level meetings between senior officials from both countries.
Situmbeko Musokotwane and Reuben Mtolo held separate engagements with Tran Quoc Phuong and Hoang Trung during meetings at the Vietnamese ministries responsible for agriculture and finance in Hanoi.
During the discussions, Dr Musokotwane emphasised the importance of strengthening investment protection and building investor confidence to expand economic cooperation between the two countries.
He said the Zambian government is implementing policy reforms aimed at addressing constraints that previously affected agricultural exports, noting that the reforms are designed to create a more supportive environment for agricultural trade and agribusiness development.
Dr Musokotwane also proposed the consideration of an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation between Zambia and Vietnam to facilitate trade and investment flows.
He further highlighted Zambia’s record of political stability, stating that the country has experienced several peaceful transfers of power since independence in 1964, a factor that continues to strengthen investor confidence.
Mr Mtolo encouraged Vietnamese companies to explore opportunities in farming, agro-processing and agricultural equipment manufacturing in Zambia. He said Zambia’s strategic location in Southern Africa positions the country as an important gateway to regional markets across the continent.
The Minister also noted that Zambia has become a key hub for seed production in Africa, supplying improved seed varieties to several countries.
Mr Tran Quoc Phuong welcomed continued engagement between the two nations and reaffirmed Vietnam’s interest in strengthening cooperation with Zambia in trade, investment and economic development.
He said greater interaction between private sector players and government institutions would help unlock new investment opportunities.
Mr Hoang Trung indicated that Vietnam stands ready to share its experience in agricultural transformation, particularly in improving productivity, promoting value addition and supporting export-oriented agriculture.
Meanwhile, Nathan Belete, Country Director of the World Bank Group for Zambia, commended the two governments for promoting dialogue through knowledge exchange.
He said such engagements are important in supporting Zambia’s efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and promote sustainable economic growth.
The meetings form part of a study tour by a high-level Zambian delegation to Vietnam, supported by the World Bank Group, aimed at drawing lessons from Vietnam’s experience in agricultural transformation and economic development.
