LUSAKA, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- Finance ministers from Zambia and Rwanda on Wednesday called for the holding of a business summit on the Great Lakes Region that will optimize economic and business prospects among member countries.
Bwalya Ng'andu and his Rwandan counterpart Uzziel Ndagijimana made the call during a bilateral meeting where they noted that in order to strengthen economic integration, a business summit for the private sector and governments in the Great Lakes Region was required, according to a release.
The Zambian minister said his government was keen to promote trade in the Great Lakes Region by developing its sole harbor and creating a fast route for bulk exports of products.
The government, he said, was keen to ensure that the Mpulungu Harbor situated in the northern part of the country does not become a white elephant once redeveloped to ensure that there was improved movement of goods and persons between Zambia and the rest of the Great Lakes Region.
"Successful regional integration will require the strengthening of trade linkages through solid infrastructure, effective connectivity, and a clear understanding of the best prospects of each member country. This will help us to promote intra-regional trade," he said.
On his part, the Rwandan minister said logistical connectivity in Africa needs improvement in order to bring down the cost of doing business and improve continental trade.
