Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
CTPD Executive Director Isabel Mukelabai
The Centre for Trade Policy and Development(CTPD)has noted with grave concern the continued rise in Zambia’s trade deficit.
CTPD Executive Director Isabel Mukelabai in a statement made available to QFM News today, notes that as of May 2015, Zambia recorded a trade deficit valued at K1.193.3 million from a trade deficit of K717.7 million recorded in April 2015.
Ms Mukelebai notes that the deficit is the highest recorded this year so far attributed to the decrease in the value of metal exports to about K2.8 billion from almost K3 billion in April.
She says what is worrying is that whilst trade deficits can occur in any economy, a consistent deficit with sharp increases is a strong indication of failing economic policies.
Ms Mukelabai states that her organization has continued to raise a red flag to the Zambian government to take urgent action on this aspect.
She further notes a lack of accountability on Zambia’s trade governance as the Government has remained mute regarding this situation which shows a very serious lack of accountability.
The CTPD Executive Director has since called on Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry Margaret Mwanakatwe to consider bringing together key players in the private sector and come up with practical tangible solutions that can be implemented to enhance export volumes for Zambia.