The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has moved to eliminate barriers to trade posed by technical regulations and the absence of standardised rules.
The intervention is expected to foster a predictable regulatory environment in the regional bloc and, ultimately, drive economic growth in member states.
Zimbabwe is part of the trading bloc, having been one of the founding members of the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) in 1980, which later evolved into SADC in 1992.
This emerged at the ongoing 40th Annual SADC Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) cooperation structures meetings in Victoria Falls.
Delivering a speech on behalf of the Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu, the chief director of commerce in the ministry, Dr Douglas Runyowa said the regional efforts were meant to increase intra-regional trade.
“This will ensure that products and services meet certain standards, promoting fair competition and protecting consumer interests.
“Collaboration between governments and businesses will stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and improve livelihoods,” said Minister Ndhlovu.
Key focus areas at the meeting in Victoria Falls include standardisation, accreditation, legal metrology, technical regulations, and stakeholder involvement.
The conference is of great importance as it addresses critical barriers to trade within the SADC region.
The summit intends to facilitate the harmonisation of standards, improve quality assurance, and streamline regulatory processes by fostering dialogue among member states. – Twenty Four Seven/The Herald
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