Zambia to export 600,000 tons of maize to DRC

Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will facilitate the export of 600,000 metric tons of maize and mealie meal to that country.

Other products the DRC has requested include wheat flour,rice,cassava,sugar,beans,tilapia,chickens irish potatoes,cokking oil cement,lime and iron sheets.

Speaking during the signing of the MOU,Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo says the programme will commence in the 2020/2021 farming season.

Mr Katambo says the aim of the MOU is to ensure a well structured trade regime between the two countries in maize and other commodities and create opportunities for Zambia to expand its market for maize and mealie meal, earn foreign exchange and capture statistics for planning.

He is confident that the MOU will help minimize incidents of smuggling.

The Minister has also disclosed the country is targeting to produce not less than 3 million metric tons of maize during the 2019/2020 farming season as a first step towards the attainment of a target of more than 5 million metric tons.

Speaking at the same event, Commerce,trade and industry Minister Christopher Yaluma who signed on behalf of Zambia says his ministry together with the ministries of Agriculture and Foreign Affairs will work towards actualizing the MOU.

And Congolese Minister of Commerce Luciene Bussa says the DRC government has mutual interest to promote trade with Zambia for nthe benefit of the two countries.

He is hopeful that the MOUD will help address the shortage of maize that country is facing.