Ministry of Trade and Industry has pledged to simplify and enhance cross-border trade and exports as part of its agenda to encourage Malawian businesses to seize export opportunities for economic growth this year.
In an interview, Minister of Trade and Industry, Sosten Gwengwe, outlined several initiatives that include the construction of the COMESA market in Mchinji, operationalizing one-stop border posts in Mchinji, Mwanza, and Dedza—with another one being developed in Songwe—and the forthcoming launch of the National Single Window, a digital platform for simplifying trade documentation. Other measures include the proposed Special Economic Zone (SEZ) law and Simplified Trade Regime Agreements with Mozambique and Zambia.
Gwengwe emphasised the need for local producers and investors to familiarise themselves with these initiatives and to take advantage of them to boost exports in the country.
The minister also reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to empowering small and medium enterprises this year so that they thrive in regional and international markets, promising that SMEs stand to benefit more from the ministry’s initiatives this year.
By Yamikani Makanga