Zimbabwe has urged Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states to deepen trade cooperation and strengthen regional integration, emphasising the need to eliminate barriers and fully leverage the SADC industrialisation agenda.
Speaking during the meeting of senior officials on Monday ahead of the 34th Committee of Ministers of Trade and 24th Ministerial Task Force on Regional Economic Integration scheduled for Harare later this week, Zimbabwe’s Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Albert Chimbindi noted the importance of collective commitment in building a more competitive and economically vibrant region.
“Simplifying trade procedures, harmonising standards, and investing in digital and physical infrastructure will not only boost trade flows but, also, stimulate innovation and sustainable growth,” Chimbindi said.
He noted that such efforts would not only boost regional trade flows but also drive innovation and sustainable growth across SADC economies.
He said the SADC region must anticipate future disruptions, adapt to changing global dynamics and implement responsive policies to remain competitive in the international economy.
The ongoing discussions are expected to shape policy frameworks for trade facilitation, strengthen intra-regional economic partnerships and reinforce SADC’s position in the global market.
The high-level SADC meeting will conclude on 5 June, when trade ministers convene to further strategise on industrialisation, economic integration and trade expansion across the region.
JN/APA