KALONDE NYATI, Lusaka
THE Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) is considering signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Katanga Federation du Enterprise of Congo (FEK) to help grow the markets for the two countries.
ZDA director general Patrick Chisanga said once the MoU is sealed, the two countries will enhance inter-trade and spur economic development.
Mr Chisanga said this after the official opening of the Trade Mission and Exhibition to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Lubumbashi on Friday.
This is contained in a statement issued by ZDA communications and public relations manager Margaret Chimanse.
Mr Chisanga said the ZDA is undertaking an aggressive strategy in supporting non-traditional exports to the DRC and other countries in the sub-region.
“We want the volumes of non-traditional exports (NTEs) into the DRC to increase from US$1.8 billion in 2013 and US$800 million in 2014 to about US$2.5 billion in 2016 because Zambia has that potential, the good will of the Congolese and the responsiveness of the Zambian entrepreneurs,” he said.
He urged the Zambian businesses to recognise the growing DRC market and the warm relationship that exists between the two countries.
“The ZDA will always be there to support the private sector at every step in order to increase their production and value addition,” he said.
He also urged the exporters to work with the Zambia Bureau of Standards to produce quality products and work with the Zambian Consulate in DRC to help sustain and open new markets.
Mr Chisanga has since extended an invitation to the FEK Katanga to visit Zambia for a similar trade mission.