Govt Should Do more to Support Businesses in Accessing Regional, International Markets – Sikunyongana

Cross Border Network Africa has called on government to engage local importers and exporters in a bid to open up new international markets for local businesses.

Speaking in an interview with Money FM News, Network Chairman, Bernard Sikunyongana notes that government has not done enough to support local businesses in accessing regional and international markets.

Mr. Sikunyongana states that local business owners should not be left out of President Hakainde Hichilema’s trips to opening up markets for imports and exports of locally produced commodities.

He adds that government’s pronouncements on its commitment to opening and expanding markets for local businesses in the neigbouring countries is futile if the intended beneficiaries are not engaged on the development.

However, Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) led a delegation of 40 Zambian businesses for a trade mission to the DRC, Haut-Katanga province in Lubumbashi from 16th to 18th October 2024.

The 40 companies were from various sectors including agriculture, agro-processing, mining, engineering, chemicals and pharmaceuticals among others.

The objective of the trade mission was to facilitate the growth of Zambia’s Non-Traditional Exports (NTEs) and to secure market access for Zambian products.

According to the Agency, it hopes to penetrate, consolidate and expand the Congolese market for Zambian products.