Zambia : Zambia, DRC Strengthen Trade Ties Through Bilateral Talks

Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have held bilateral talks in Ndola aimed at strengthening cross-border trade and addressing challenges affecting the movement of transit goods between the two neighbouring countries.

Government says it will introduce stringent measures at all border entry and exit points to curb the illegal offloading of transit cargo in Zambia before it reaches its final destination in the DRC, a practice that has resulted in revenue losses for the DRC and heightened smuggling concerns.

Speaking during the bilateral meeting held at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary Lilian Bwalya said Zambia and the DRC must work together to combat illegal trade practices, strengthen border security and ensure that all transit cargo reaches its intended destination.

Ms Bwalya said the illegal diversion of transit goods negatively affects customs revenue in both countries, as goods meant to pass through Zambia are offloaded and sold locally without payment of the required duties.

“We are determined to fight all forms of crime, especially smuggling, because it also affects our revenue. Goods that are supposed to transit through Zambia are dumped on the market without paying taxes,” she said.

Ms Bwalya stressed that all goods imported into Zambia must pay the applicable taxes, while goods in transit should be allowed to proceed to their final destination without interference.

She further urged the two governments to implement an electronic data exchange system to enable authorities to monitor cargo before it reaches the border.

“We appeal to our two governments to ensure that data exchange is implemented. With this system, it becomes easier to share information before the cargo even arrives at the border,” she said.

Ms Bwalya also proposed the establishment of a One-Stop Border Post Where Zambian and DRC officials would jointly clear cargo destined for the DRC, saying this would improve monitoring and reduce the diversion of transit goods.

Meanwhile, Democratic Republic of Congo’s Haut-Katanga Province Acting Governor Martin Kazembe said the DRC government has already introduced measures to curb the illegal practice of cargo fractioning, which he said is harming the country’s economy and creating unfair competition.

Mr Kazembe said the measures were being implemented in collaboration with the central government.

“We have started arresting those involved in cargo fractioning, but we cannot do it alone. That is why the central government mandated me to engage with Zambia because we are neighbours today and forever,” he said.

He called on Zambia to support the measures in order to strengthen economic, security and health cooperation between the two countries.

Mr Kazembe further said measures introduced to curb copper cathode theft in the DRC have produced positive results but require continued collaboration and adequate resources.

He also assured Zambia of enhanced security along the shared border ahead of next week’s elections and proposed the establishment of a joint commission for Sakania.

“I would like to thank you for the resolutions that have been made here. I assure you of our commitment to maintaining security during your electoral period,” he said.

Mr Kazembe also called on authorities managing other border posts between Zambia and the DRC to work closely with security agencies to ensure a peaceful electoral period.

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