By HELEN ZULU –
THE Cross Border Traders Association of Zambia (CBTA) will this year construct a Trade Information Centre (TIC) at Nakonde border post in Muchinga Province.
Secretary General Charles Kakoma said CBTA would this year construct a TIC at a cost of K115, 000 to help cross-border traders with information on cross- border trade formalities.
Mr Kakoma said the association was keen to ensure that members were educated on the importance of cross-border trade formalities and the incentives that exist.
He was speaking in an interview in Lusaka yesterday.
“We will be constructing a TIC at Nakonde border post in Muchinga Province. This will help cross-border traders have access to information on cross-border trade requirements and procedures,” Mr Kakoma said.
He said the association was finalising the issue with the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry and once everything was done, construction would commence.
Mr Kakoma said the TIC was aimed at facilitating trade for cross border traders in the region and helping them with procedures at the border.
He said TIC would provide information on domestic and overseas trade events and market opportunities for trade in the region.
Mr Kakoma said construction of the TIC would be done in a one month period and was expected to create at least 15 jobs after completion.
He said similar structures were expected to be constructed in other areas such as Livingstone and Chipata.
Mr Kakoma also said the association was in talks with the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry on intentions to put up a trade centre at the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) market in Lusaka.
“Trade information desk officers will be stationed at the TIC to provide trade facilitation services to cross border traders at the borders. Cross border traders will be able to trade without hurdles as they will be helped with procedure and information,” he said.