Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry

In this edition, we highlight some of the activities that have taken place during the first quarter of 2010. Some of the notable activities include the launch of Zambia - Malawi Simplified Trade Regime (STR), the empowerment of business women in eastern province and the opening of an Oil Mill plant by Dunavant.

The Simplified Trade Regime (STR) is an important step in easing the activities of our Cross Border traders who face many challenges in moving their goods across borders. It therefore signifies the commitment of Government to ease cross border trade for small business traders
and it is our expectation that our traders will take full advantage of this initiative and enhance our trade links and activities with Malawi.
On the aspect of empowering targeted citizens, the, Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) has empowered eleven groups of business women belonging to Chipata Central Women’s Development Association (CCWDA)

The  launch of this Magazine does not come at a better time than this when Ithe Ministry has just finalised a draft Ministerial Strategic Plan for 2006- 2010 whose recommendation is for the Ministry to interact with all stakeholders using the different forms of media. The past few years have seen a renewed optimism and belief in the Zambian
economy thanks to the prudent measures adopted by Government. The Magazine has therefore been tailored to keep the Zambian public and all stakeholders abreast with current issues, and developments in the Commercial, Trade and Industrial sectors of the Zambian economy. It goes without saying that these sectors of the economy are central to Zambia’s National Long Term Vision (Vision 2030) which is “To become a prosperous Middle-income Nation by 2030”. In line with this vision the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry has been undertaking a range of reforms including the formulation of appropriate policies to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country, while at the same time creating a conducive environment that creates a vibrant private sector exposed to competitive international best practices including a friendly legal framework.