Zambia, DRC seal maize export deal
GOVERNMENT says it will start exporting 600, 000 metric tonnes of maize and mealie meal to Domestic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the 2020/2021 farming season , Minister of Agriculture Michael Katambo has said.
This follows the signing of an MOU in Lusaka yesterday .
Mr Katambo said the signing of the memorandum of understanding was a re ection of the desire of the two countries to formalise trade between them and minimise incidences of smuggling.
“The aim of this MOU is to ensure a well-structured trade regime between Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the republic of Zambia in maize and other commodities.
The MOU will create opportunities for Zambia to expand its market for maize and mealie meal, earn foreign exchange and capture statistics for planning,” he said.
Mr Katambo said the DRC on the other hand would be assured of a consistent supply of maize, mealie meal and other identified commodities.
He said the signing of this MOU demonstrated a major step towards implementing practical measures to ensure increased production of maize.
He emphasised that exports under this MOU would commence in 2020 as Zambia was coming from a bad season and currently does not have sufficient stocks to accommodate exports.
his production target is a first step towards the attainment of a target of more than 5 million metric tonnes production while ensuring reasonable returns for the farmers,” he said.
Meanwhile Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Christopher Yaluma said the MoU was aimed at formalising the export of maize and mealie meal and 13 additional products from Zambia to the Democratic Republic of Congo, through a government to government arrangement.
“It is also aimed at promoting food security and enhancing the livelihood of citizens in the two countries,” he said.