Zim hosts key SADC trade talks

Sunday Mail Reporter

ZIMBABWE will tomorrow begin hosting the five-day SADC Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Cooperation Structures meetings, which are expected to shape regional trade policies and inform decisions by the SADC Council of Ministers.

The high-level meetings, running from March 24 to 28 in Victoria Falls, will bring together technical experts and policymakers from across the region to discuss harmonising standards and removing trade barriers.

As the current chairperson of SADC, Zimbabwe will use the platform to influence the regional trade agenda, strengthen its technical capacity and demonstrate its ability to host key regional events.

Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said hosting of the meetings is a strategic opportunity to enhance intra-SADC trade and economic growth.

“Though these are technical meetings, their resolutions directly inform the SADC Council of Ministers’ decisions, affording Zimbabwe a vital platform to influence the regional trade agenda,” he said.

“By facilitating crucial discussions on harmonising standards and reducing technical barriers to trade, Zimbabwe actively contributes to fostering a more conducive environment for intra-SADC trade and economic growth.

“Furthermore, hosting these meetings presents a valuable platform for capacity building, enabling Zimbabwe to enhance its technical expertise alongside other member states.

“Crucially, this event also serves as a showcase, allowing Zimbabwe to demonstrate its ability to host important regional events and, therefore, furthering its standing within the SADC organisation.”

The SADC TBT Cooperation Structures are responsible for eliminating technical trade barriers and ensuring that regulations do not restrict the movement of goods and services within the region.

The meetings will focus on harmonising technical regulations, strengthening quality infrastructure and promoting transparency in cross-border trade.

“The SADC TBT Cooperation Structures meetings are vital for fostering regional economic progress.

“They achieve this by streamlining trade processes through the harmonisation of standards and regulations, effectively reducing technical barriers that impede commerce,” added Minister Ndlovu.

“This creates a more transparent and predictable trading environment, bolstered by robust information exchange among member states . . .”