Africa-Press – Malawi. The governments of Malawi and Zambia have signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement on Conformity Assessment to improve trade on agricultural produce.
The pact would see enhanced trade of maize, groundnuts, beans, rice, soybean and sorghum between the two neighboring countries.
Minister of Trade and Industry Vitumbiko Mumba and Zambia’s Minister of Agriculture Mtolo Phiri signed the agreements on behalf of their respective governments in Lusaka on Monday.
Among others, the agreement would ensure that the commodities are tested and certified in one country and see the results accepted in the other country.
This potentially reduces the need for redundant testing and certification processes when exporting goods between the two countries.
According to information posted by the Ministry of Trade and Industry on its official Facebook page, the agreement underscores the commitment of both governments to facilitate trade through mutual recognition of conformity assessment processes, promising new opportunities for farmers, traders and consumers, fostering economic growth in the process.
Mumba said the agreement will help to ensure efficiency and free flow of trade between Malawi and Zambia.
“This agreement is more than trade facilitation. It is about strengthening trust between our national quality institutions; building mutual confidence in the standards and regulatory frameworks of our two countries; laying a strong foundation for industrial growth, competitiveness, and consumer protection,” he said.
He said the agreement was a direct contribution to aspirations of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“This agreement is a direct contribution to the aspirations of the African Continental Free Trade Area as it brings to life the principle of harmonised trade systems that reduce costs, increase efficiency, and encourage the free flow of goods and services across borders,” he said.
Malawi is expected to sign a similar agreement with Zimbabwe by the end of this year.
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