Aimed at promoting trade between the two countries by removing non-tariff barriers to trade, Tanzania and Zambia have signed bilateral agreements on road transport services.
Tanzania’s Minister for Finance, Saada Mkuya Salum and Zambia Minister for Transport, Works, Supply and Communications, Yamfwa Mukanga, signed in Dar es Dalam a bilateral agreement on regulation of cross border trade and another on passengers road transport.
Salum said the agreements were considered as mechanisms to resolve all challenges related with transportation of goods between the two countries.
Specifically, they will put in place a regulatory transport system to smoothen movement between the two countries and ensure development of a strong and competitive road industry which will be effectively utilised and operators compete successfully, she said.
The agreements would also put in a mechanism for promoting acceptance of harmonised vehicle and driver qualification standards and road traffic safety and improving the efficiency of permit issuance, border control procedures and operation and maintenance of transport and trade data bases.
They will put also a framework for granting road carriers the right to carry goods between and/or in transit through the two countries in accordance with the laws and regulations.
Salum told reporters shortly after the signing that the agreements were for facilitating smooth trade between Tanzania and Zambia by putting a framework for a more conducive environment for business. “Doing business between Tanzania and Zambia will be easier now.
These agreements will improve significantly the existing business environment,” she said, adding it was another opening of opportunities existing in trade and business activities between the two countries.
The Zambian minister told the ‘Daily News on Saturday’ that the signing of the bilateral agreements was an important milestone in efforts to improve trade and business between the two countries.
“These agreements are very important because they are going to change the way we do business,” he said, adding they were looking forward for a more improved business environment that will boost bilateral trade between the two countries.
He said the signing of the agreements marked an important juncture in reviewing previous bilateral agreements signed in the 1990′s to make them run concurrently with changes that have taken place since that time.
Zambia is a land-locked country which uses the Dar es Salaam port for her imports and exports.
