SIMON MUNTEMBA writes
@SunZambian
ZAMBIA has called on SADC member countries to speed up operationalization of protocols and agreements that facilitate for free movements of people and goods in order to achieve objectives of the continental agreement free trade.
Minister of Tourism and Arts Ronald Chitotela said SADC member countries should develop policies aimed at progressive elimination of obstacles to the free movement of capital and labour in the region.
According to a statement issued by first secretary press and public relations at the Zambia’s High Commission to South Africa Naomi Nyawali, Mr Chitotela said this at the African Leadership Forum held at the Durban International Convention Centre on Thursday.
Mr Chitotela said time had come for countries to collectively implement various regional policies enabling free movement in order to achieve objectives of the Continental Free Trade Agreement.
The Minister said Zambia was cognizant of some of the risks involved in the unchecked movement of people, goods and services.
He said that while the continent had become more open due to globalization, it had equally become more restrictive due to challenges such as illegal trafficking of goods and people.
Mr Chitotela said countries needed to develop responsive and legally sound policies cohesively to effectively tackle the challenges that the region and the continent as a whole were facing.
