The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) provides a huge market for Zambian products hence the need for Zambian producers in different sectors of the economy to explore and take advantage of the various opportunities, Luapula Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Emmanuel Munsanje has said.
Last week, President Hakainde Hichilema and President Antoine Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) inaugurated the Kasomeno-Kasenga-Chalwe-Kabila-Mwenda Road construction.
This is a monumental project which is part of the One-Stop-Border-Post initiative and also includes the construction of the Luapula River Bridge, cementing the strong bilateral relations between Zambia and the DRC aimed at enhancing trade between the two countries.
Speaking to The Scoop, Mr. Musanje said that Zambians should begin positioning themselves to maximize benefits that came with such projects and explore the various products that could be exported to the DRC.
He said that goods and products that could be maximized ranged from agricultural products, tourism, among others.
“The Kasomeno-Mwenda Road Project will be a game changer as it signifies Zambia’s dedication to enhancing connectivity and economic integration in the region, while fostering economic growth through innovative Public Private Partnerships (PPP). Zambians should begin to position themselves and take advantage of the DRC market. Currently, the DRC is providing a huge market for Zambians. Fish can be exported and many other agricultural products,” Mr. Munsanje said.
He said that the Kasomeno-Mwenda Road Projects was encouraging private sector involvement and that many stakeholders should explore business strategies around the area that could be maximized on.
He said that establishing business entities such as lodges, cold rooms, and many other businesses around the border areas was the way to go.
He said the project had great potential to facilitate trade and economic growth thereby ensuring that economic growth was attained and emphasized that the attainment of agenda 2063 of the African continent of ensuring that trade processes be enhanced further across all countries on the continent.