Ghana and Zambia have committed to increase their trade volumes, tourist exchange and enhance cooperation in the fields of agriculture, environment, science and technology, transport, security, and institutional cooperation among others to bolster their bilateral relations. The two countries made the commitment during the inaugural Session of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) between the Republic of Ghana and the Republic of Zambia which took place from Wednesday 26th to Friday, 28th April, 2023 at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).
The Chief Director for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Amb. Ramses Cleland in his opening remarks noted that there was a greater opportunity for the two countries to cooperate in various sectors of mutual interest. He therefore urged the technical teams of both countries to come up with modalities that will yield fruitful outcomes. He noted that, there must be a strong trade facilitation between the two countries in the areas of standardisation and conformity by the Standard Authorities, and Food and Drugs Authorities of the two countries. He added that in the area of financial technology, there must also be a collaboration between the two Central Banks for conformity and standardisation as well as cooperation between the Immigration and Customs Institutions of Ghana and Zambia.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary for Special Duties Cabinet Office at the Office of the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Chembo F. Mbula, in his remarks, noted that the PJCC provides an opportunity for both countries to evaluate and strengthen the already cordial bilateral relations and forge new long-lasting partnerships. He called for a dispassionate discussion that will result in concrete outcomes for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries.
Amb. Cleland commended the technical teams for their effective participation in the discussions. The meeting culminated in the signing of the Agreed minutes for the Senior Officials Meeting which sets the tone for deliberations at the Ministerial level.
