WTO members hail Zambia over trade reforms: official

Member countries of the World Trade Organization (WTO) have commended Zambia for the reforms undertaken to improve trade policies, a government official said on Tuesday.

The WTO member states hailed Zambia during the country's fourth trade policy review meeting held on June 21 and 23 in Geneva, Switzerland, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry public relations officer Godfrida Chanda said.

She said the review was based on two documents, including a report by the WTO secretariat and a government report containing Zambia's national policy statement including its graduation from a low-income to a lower-middle-income category under the World Bank analytical classification in 2014.

She said in a statement that member states were happy that Zambia's policy reform path was consistent with international best practice and pledged to continue partnering with the country in the area of trade and investment with a view to assisting the nation builds its productive capacity and diversify its economy.

The review, she said, highlighted areas requiring the government's attention, and possibly further reforms to help the country in its trade policy regime and develop the economy.

The review was concluded under the guidance of senior officials from the trade ministry following months of preparatory work at both technical and ministerial levels, she added.

Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Margaret Mwanakatwe said it was government's intention to continue improving the business environment to create opportunities for investment and enhance Zambia's competitiveness at both the regional and multilateral levels. Endit