Zambia and Zimbabwe Revive Joint Trade and Customs Committee
Zambia and Zimbabwe have revived the Joint Trade and Customs Committee (JTCC), holding a crucial meeting in Harare from 21st to 23rd May 2024.
The committee, which had not convened since 2017, addressed a range of legacy and contemporary issues impacting both nations, focusing on trade, economic, and investment matters.
At the heart of the discussions was a mutual recognition of the need to further nurture and enhance the historic and fraternal ties between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The aim is to forge a strengthened partnership to boost trade and economic cooperation.
The Zambian delegation was led by Dr. Simon Ng’ona, Director of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry.
He was joined by Ms. Jubilee Hamwaala, Assistant Commissioner at the Zambia Revenue Authority, Mr. Ernest Chirwa, Assistant Director of Marketing Development at the Zambia Development Agency, Mr. Martin Mmembe, Trade and Investment Promotions Officer, and Mr. Brian Kazembe, Senior Economist at the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry.
The meeting was honoured by the presence of Ambassador Albert R. Chimbindi, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Zimbabwe, and His Excellency, Honourable Derick Livune, the Zambian Ambassador to Zimbabwe.
Dr. Ng’ona expressed optimism about the renewed collaboration, stating, “The revival of the JTCC is a testament to our commitment to deepening economic ties and addressing mutual challenges. We look forward to tangible outcomes that will benefit both our nations.”
Ambassador Chimbindi highlighted the importance of the meeting in reinforcing the longstanding relations between the two countries.
“This gathering marks a new chapter in our bilateral relations, focusing on practical measures to enhance trade and investment,” he remarked.
The JTCC’s agenda included discussions on easing customs procedures, improving trade logistics, and exploring new investment opportunities.
Both delegations committed to regular meetings to ensure continuous progress on agreed initiatives.
