Business and Finance

Malawi, Zambia explore opportunities

Malawi, Zambia explore opportunities

By Martha Rukunya:

Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) and Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) officials convened in Lusaka, Zambia, to explore collaborative opportunities and strengthen trade relations between the two countries.

ZCSA Executive Director Gerald Chizinga emphasised the significance of the partnership during the meeting.

Chizinga noted that partnerships with international organisations such as MBS strengthened ZCSA’s ability to enforce compulsory standards effectively.

“The two institutions must work together to assist producers and traders to increase their compliance with mandatory standards, enhancing access to markets and product acceptability in the region and beyond,” Chizinga said.

MBS Director General Bernard Thole echoed Chizinga’s sentiments.

“MBS, which also enforces compulsory standards, looks forward to enhanced collaborations between the two institutions,” he said.

During the meeting, officials shared detailed presentations on their work.

ZCSA outlined its responsibilities under the Compulsory Standards Act No. 3 of 2017, highlighting its focus on protecting public health, safety, consumers and the environment.

MBS representatives discussed their role in ensuring product compliance with market standards to establish trust and reliability.

The meeting concluded with both agencies pledging to strengthen their partnership.

Their shared vision aims to ensure that products from Zambia and Malawi meet rigorous standards, enhancing their competitiveness in regional and global markets.

The collaboration is expected to bolster trade relations and contribute to economic growth in both countries.—Mana