Lusaka, Zambia – Today, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) joined forces with the Zambian government, in collaboration with the COMESA Business Council, to inaugurate the highly anticipated 16th COMESA Business Forum. The event, held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, paves the way for the forthcoming 22nd Summit of COMESA Heads of State and Government, scheduled to take place tomorrow, where President Lazarus Chakwera is expected to be in attendance.
During the opening ceremony, Chipoka Mulenga, Zambia’s Minister of Commerce, Trade, and Industry, delivered a thought-provoking speech, challenging participating nations to seek lasting solutions that would propel and transform COMESA countries into competitive and sustainable economies for regional and global trade and investment expansion, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era. Minister Mulenga emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to overcome the challenges brought about by the pandemic and underscored the importance of fostering an environment conducive to trade and investment across the region.
The 16th COMESA Business Forum serves as a vital platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore opportunities for economic growth and development within the COMESA region. The insights and recommendations generated from the forum hold paramount importance, as they have the potential to shape policies and strategies that will guide the future direction of COMESA, ultimately ensuring its continued growth and prosperity. Marday Venkatasamy, President of the COMESA Business Council (CBC), emphasized the significance of the Business Forum in influencing decision-making processes and setting the stage for a prosperous future.
With regional integration and economic cooperation at the core of COMESA’s agenda, the Business Forum acts as a catalyst for fostering collaboration between governments and the private sector. It provides a platform for dialogue and engagement, enabling stakeholders to address pertinent issues and identify solutions that promote trade, investment, and sustainable economic development across COMESA member states.
The 16th COMESA Business Forum brings together a diverse array of participants, including government officials, business leaders, policymakers, and representatives from regional and international organizations. Through interactive sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, attendees will delve into topics such as digital transformation, trade facilitation, infrastructure development, and the role of the private sector in driving economic growth.
As the Business Forum gains momentum, anticipation grows for the 22nd Summit of COMESA Heads of State and Government, set to convene tomorrow. The summit will provide a platform for high-level discussions on regional integration, trade, and socio-economic development. The presence of President Lazarus Chakwera at the summit underscores the commitment of COMESA member states to collaborative efforts in advancing the region’s economic agenda.
The 16th COMESA Business Forum, marked by dynamic discussions and the exchange of innovative ideas, is expected to foster partnerships, drive policy reforms, and create an enabling environment for trade and investment. As stakeholders converge in Lusaka, Zambia, the collective focus remains on unlocking the vast potential of the COMESA region and propelling it towards a future of sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
