GOVT URGED TO BE PROACTIVE ON BORDER TRADE

The Southern Africa Cross Border Traders Association has urged government to be proactive with regional border trade.

Yesterday, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo-DRC – decided to reopen border crossing points that were temporarily closed on Sunday, following protests in that country after it imposed a ban on the importation of soft drinks and beer from Zambia.

Southern Africa Cross Border Traders Association General Secretary, Jacob Makambwe, says the temporal closure of the border crossing points, shows the lack of anticipation from government in cross border trade.

“Such a situation should not re-occur because it negatively affects the flow of trade among countries in the region which affects economies”, said Mr. Makambwe in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today.

He has however urged government to constantly  engage  neighbouring countries on border challenges that may affect the flow of trade in future.

Angel Kasabo