Zambia, Burundi pledge to remove trade barriers

By Ruth Chayinda

President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA and his Burundian counterpart EVARISTE NDAYISHIMIYE have pledged their government’s support to remove trade barriers.

The two Heads of State have since instructed the respective ministries to investigate ways to improve commerce between the two nations.

The heads of state note that the two nations can tap into opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area and COMESA Treaties to which both countries are state parties.

In a joint communiqué released to ZNBC News, the two leaders have recognized the need for both countries to implement the MoU on the improvement of port and maritime infrastructure.

They have also noted the need to develop the Lake Tanganyika Corridor and provide connection from Mpulungu port via Nseluka to the TAZARA railway line to enhanced trade.

The two leaders have also identified the Public-Private Partnership model to develop the Nseluka-Mpulungu project.

And the two leaders have emphasized the need to cooperate in creating a Multilateral Water Transport Agreement and Sister Port Agreements among the Lake Tanganyika states.

Meanwhile, during interactions, President HICHILEMA has indicated that Burundi is a key export destination for Zambia, with export volume averaging over 25 million United States Dollars in the last five years.

Export commodities include salt, sulphur, earth, stone, plaster, lime, cement, cereals, sugars and sugar confectioneries.

Meanwhile, President NDAYISHIMIYE has stressed that trade volumes between the two countries could be increased beyond the current figures with the development of the Lake Tanganyika Corridor and respective port infrastructure.

And to further strengthen the existing bilateral cooperation, the two Heads of State presided over the signing of 6 Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding in various areas.

The two leaders also affirmed their commitment to continue supporting each other’s candidatures at continental and international levels as President Hichilema pledged to support President NDAYISHIMIYE, when he takes over the COMESA chairmanship later this year.

President NDAYISHIMIYE has since pledged to further strengthen the excellent relations between the two countries, and has since invited President HICHILEMA for an official visit to Burundi.

During his 3 day visit, President NDAYISHIMIYE also addressed parliament and served as Guest of Honor at the 96th Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show.