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WT/TPR/W/109  
3 August 2016  
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Trade Policy Review Body    
 
* In Original language only/En langue originale seulement/En el idioma original solamente . 
  ZAMBIA 
DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING* HELD ON 21 AND 23 JUNE 2016 
Delegations are invited to submit factual corrections, if any, on their own statement to the 
Secretariat (Mrs Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , or to tprd@wto.org ) no later 
than 17 August 2016. 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales 
 
ZAMBIE 
PROJET DE COMPTE RENDU DE LA RÉUNION* TENUE LES 21 ET 23 JUIN 2016 
Les délégations sont invitées à soumettre leurs éventuelles corrections factuelles concernant leurs 
propres déclarations au Secrétariat (Mme Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , ou 
tprd@wto.org ) le 17 août 2016 au plus tard. 
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales 
 
ZAMBIA 
PROYECTO DE ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN* CELEBRADA LOS DÍAS 21 Y 23 DE JUNIO DE 2016 
Las delegaciones pueden enviar a la Secretaría (Sra. Barbara Blanquart: 
barbara.blanquart@wto.org , o tprd@wto.org ) a más tardar el 17 de agosto de 2016 las 
correcciones fácticas que deseen introducir en sus propias declaraciones. 
 
 
_______________ 
 WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
ZAMBIA 
DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING 
Chairperson: Ms. Irene Young (Hong Kong, China) 
CONTENTS 
 
1   INTRODUCTORY REMARK S BY THE CHAI RPERSON ...................................................... 3  
2   OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF ZAMBIA ...................................... 5  
3   STATEMENT BY THE DISCU SSANT ............................................................................... 9  
4   STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS........................................................................................ 12  
5   REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF  ZAMBIA AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS ......... 32  
6   CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON ........................................................ 37  
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by Zambia are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/340/Add.1 and will be available online 
at http://www.wto.org/english/ tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm. WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
1.1.  The fourth Trade Policy Review of Zambia was held on 21 and 23 June 2016. The 
Chairperson, Ms. Irene Young (Hong Kong, China), welcomed the delegation of Zambia headed by Honourable Raymond Mpundu, Deputy Minister of  Commerce, Trade and Industry; the delegation 
from Zambia; and the discussant, H.E. Mr. Mothusi Bruce Rabasha Palai (Botswana). As agreed by 
Members earlier, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) was attending this meeting as observer on an ad hoc basis. 
1.2.  But before proceeding, the Chairperson gave an update of what happened the week before. 
Delegations had been informed in WTO/AIR/TPR/31/Corrigendum 1 distributed on 8 June that the second TPR of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), originally scheduled for Wednesday 15 and Friday 17 June, had been postponed at the re quest of the DRC authorities. The Secretariat 
was in contact with the DRC delegation to try to find another date for the meeting. Members will 
be informed in due course of the revised schedule. 
1.3.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of th e Trade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by Zambia was contained in document WT/TPR/G/340 
and that of the WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/340. 
1.4.  Questions by the following delegations had been submitted in writing before the deadline and 
had been transmitted to the delegation of Zamb ia: Canada; Chile; China; the United States; 
Brazil, the European Union; and Argentina. No delegations submitted written questions after the 
deadline. 
1.5.  At the previous TPR meeting in 2009, Members had commended Zambia on its rapidly 
growing economy and had observed an impressive growth in non-traditional exports. They had 
encouraged Zambia to further reduce its depe ndence on copper mining and develop a more 
diversified economy, but they had also noted obstacles such as high-cost and inefficient services in 
transport, electricity, and fixed telecommunications. 
1.6.  Since then, Zambia's GDP had continued to expand, at annual rates averaging over 6%. A 
high demand for copper was the principal factor behind this. As a result, in 2014, the country had 
been upgraded from the low-income to the lower-middle-income category in the World Bank 
analytical classification. However, structural weaknesses, including supply-side constraints and significant State intervention, still made the economy narrow-based and highly vulnerable. In the various economic sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing and services, Members saw growth 
potentials largely untapped. 
1.7.  Meanwhile, headwinds in the mining sector (affecting copper in particular), exacerbated by 
weaker global economic growth had frustrated Zambia's economic performance in the last two 
years. Amidst these challenges, Zambia had implemented several reforms aimed at improving its 
business environment and attracting foreign investment, and had recently rolled out a strategic plan for long-term development. The Chairperson believed Members would wish to learn more 
about these reforms and development plans, and their implications for international trade. 
1.8.  Regarding existing trade policies, one important area was Zambia's tariff regime. At the last 
TPR, Members had encouraged Zambia to improv e its binding commitments by increasing their 
coverage and reducing the gap between bound and applied rates. It seemed that not much had 
changed since then, except for the migration to HS 2012. Besides, Zambia still had difficulty fully 
implementing the Customs Valuation Agreement, and still imposed export taxes, some of which aimed at promoting local value addition. 
1.9.  That said, Members were pleased to know that Zambia had already ratified the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement and had notified all its Categories A, B and C commitments. Thanks to the authorities' efforts, all customs declarations could also be conducted electronically now, which 
made clearance simpler and faster. In addition, Zambia had amended or had enacted a number of 
trade-related laws over the period under revi ew. They included the promulgation of a new 
Competition and Consumer Protection Act in 2010; adoption of a National Quality Policy in 2011; and amendment to the Copyright and Performance Ri ghts Act in 2010. The last one in particular 
had been a matter of great interest to Members at the last TPR, and Members understood that the WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  process of establishing a TRIPs-compliant regime  in Zambia had not yet been completed. The 
Chairperson noted that it would be useful to know the review process for other IPR legislation currently under consideration. 
1.10.  On the international front, Members had commended Zambia's commitment to the WTO and 
the multilateral trading system. Members noted that Zambia was also a member of the Common 
Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Overlapping membership in diff erent trade agreements bore costs and certain 
challenges. At the last TPR, some Members had expressed concern in this regard. The Chairperson 
noted that perhaps Zambia would also like to share with the Members how it saw and managed these agreements. WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF ZAMBIA (HONOURABLE RAYMOND 
MPUNDU) 
2.1.  I am delighted to present this opening statement during the fourth review session of 
Zambia's trade policy. 
2.2.  Madam Chair, on behalf of my delegation and indeed on my own behalf, allow me to express 
our gratitude to you for presiding over this review. We would also like to express our deep gratitude to Ambassador Palai of Botswana for accepting to serve as the discussant. 
2.3.  May I also take this opportunity to expr ess our special thanks to the team from the WTO 
Secretariat for their tireless efforts in preparing the comprehensive Secretariat report on Zambia's Trade Policy. 
2.4.  Similarly, we would like to express our th anks to the delegations present who have taken 
interest in Zambia's Trade Policy Review. We welcome the interest and look forward to very 
interactive and productive discussions over the course of this review. 
National policies and focus areas 
2.5.  During the period under review, the Government implemented its strategic interventions 
through the Fifth National Development Plan  from 2006 to 2010, and the Sixth National 
Development Plan from 2011 to 2015 which was subsequently revised to cover the period 2013 to 
2016.  
2.6.  The Fifth and Sixth National Development Plans were primarily focused on implementing 
reforms targeted at reducing the cost of doing business and creating an enabling environment for 
private sector growth and development. In line with this, Government, through the Private Sector 
Development Reform Programme, implemented reforms targeted at making the licensing regime 
simpler, transparent and more focused on legitimate regulatory purposes. 
2.7.  On the other hand, the strategic focus of the Revised Sixth National Development Plan was 
on capital investments with an emphasis on promoting economic diversification and 
industrialization. In line with this, the Government adopted the Industrialization and Job Creation Strategy aimed at enhancing Zambia's productive capacity while at the same time creating jobs 
and wealth for the population. The Strategy prioritized four sectors namely: agriculture (including 
agro-processing); manufacturing; construction and tourism which not only have great potential for accelerating industrial development but also have the highest absorption capacity for skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled labour. 
2.8.  In the area of trade, Zambia continued to maintain a liberal trade policy regime whose main 
focus has been to enhance productivity and competitiveness of Zambian products in both the domestic and international markets. 
2.9.  Similarly, Zambia has remained an active player in the regional integration processes under 
the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). These Regional Econ omic Communities are important trading blocks 
for Zambia in terms of import and export trade. Zambia is one of the seventeen countries that 
have signed the Tripartite Free Trade Area Agreemen t, and is actively involved in the continental 
negotiations aimed at establishing the Continental Free Trade Area which aims at opening up market opportunities for participating countries. 
2.10.  At the same time, Zambia has been a beneficiary of preferential market access schemes 
offered by both developed and developing countries, which it considers as important initiatives to assist developing and least developed countries integrate into global trade and as such continues 
to work towards the effective utilization of preferences offered under such schemes. 
Economic performance 2.11.  In terms of sector performance, at the ma croeconomic level, Zambia has recorded positive 
growth with an average real GDP growth rate of 6.5% during the period 2009 to 2014. This WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  positive growth was driven largely by improvemen ts in the non-mineral sectors of agriculture, 
manufacturing and infrastructure developments among others. 
2.12.  During this same period, the country record ed single digit inflation rates. The annual overall 
inflation rate in 2009 was 9.9% and as at 31st December 2013 it dropped to 7.1% before raising 
to 7.9 in 2014. This was on account of a decline in staple food prices.  
2.13.  However, as at 31 December 2015, the inflation rate rose to 21.1% due to the effects of the 
sharp depreciation of the Kwacha experienced in the third quarter of 2015, which was partly due 
to the global economic slowdown and poor performance of the commodity prices on the 
international market, coupled with the increased production costs caused by low electricity supply. 
2.14.  Zambia's export trade overall has been positive in the period under review, with total export 
trade having grown from a level of US$4.3 billion in 2009 to US$9.6 billion by 2014 with the 
highest level recorded in 2013 at US$10.6 billion. However, Zambia's export trade experienced a 
down ward trend in 2015 falling to about at US$7 billion. Over the same period, non-traditional exports increased from US$976 million in 2009 to  US$4.1 billion by 2013 before falling to 
US$2.6 billion in 2014 and a further fall of US$1.7 billion recorded in 2015. 
2.15.  Zambia witnessed improvements in investment flows with continued investor confidence. 
Evidence to this was the re-affirmation of the country's sovereign credit ratings at a ceiling of B+ 
coupled with the continued rise in FDI inflows. For example, as at end of September 2014, FDI 
inflows were US$2,231.5 million, 6.3% higher than for the whole of 2013. 
2.16.  Madam Chair, in terms of sector perf ormance during the period under review, the 
agriculture sector grew by an average of 7% which was above the Comprehensive Africa 
Agriculture Development Programme target of 6%. During the same period, the sector's 
contribution to GDP averaged 18.5%. 
2.17.  In mining, the sector continued to dominate Zambia's economic growth path in the period 
under review. Mining remained the dominant se ctor in terms of Zambia's export earnings, 
accounting for approximately 70%. This high dependence on a single commodity for export earnings has placed Zambia in a vulnerable position in as far as external factors are concerned. 
The recent downturn in commodity prices on the global market did not spare the Zambian 
economy.  
2.18.  The manufacturing sector's contribution to GDP averaged 7.7%. The main destination for 
Zambia's exports in manufacturing during this period was the SADC market which accounted for 
approximately 80% of Zambia's exports. 
2.19.  Following the introduction of the new Information Communication and Technology (ICT) law 
in 2009, the sector has equally recorded impressive growth with mobile penetration rate increasing 
from 34% in 2009 to 74% in 2015. Internet penetration rate also increased from less than 1% to 
39% during the same period. The ICT sector contri bution to real GDP increased from1.5% to 3.5% 
over the same period. 
2.20.  With regard to infrastructure development to open up key economic sectors such as tourism 
and agriculture, Zambia has invested heavily in transport and energy infrastructure. The investments include the link Zambia 8000 and pave Zambia 2000 projects. Other investments include the modernization of four international airports.  
2.21.  The installed capacity in the energy sect or is 2451megawatts of which 97% is hydro and 3% 
from other sources. In addition to the existing developed generation capacity, the country's total 
generation potential is about 6000 megawatts. 
2.22.  Substantial progress has also been made in health and educational infrastructure across the 
country. WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  Challenges 
2.23.  Having said this, Madam Chair, allow me to highlight some challenges that Zambia 
continues to face. 
2.24.  Internally: 
 Zambia is grappling with diversification issues as the country continues to depend on copper 
for export earnings. While progress has been ma de in terms of non-traditional exports, the 
composition is still dominated by raw materials and low value products; 
 Infrastructure in major economic sectors is limited; 
 The electricity energy mix remains undiversified while supply continues to be inadequate. 
The sector is highly dependent on hydro for power generation; therefore, it has remained vulnerable to climate change such as drought or poor rainfall; 
 The private sector still requires a lot of supp ort to effectively spearhead economic growth; 
 The tax base remains narrow; 
 access to affordable finance is still a major challenge for enhancing production and 
productivity; and last but not least 
 Investment in research and development is at its infancy stage. 
2.25.  Externally:  
 The fluctuations in global commodity prices and instability in global currencies has had 
telling effects on the Zambian economy. The fall in copper prices in the recent past has resulted in a substantial reduction in the intake of revenue from copper sales, which in turn has had negative effects on Zambia's current account, the exchange rate and planned 
capital expenditure. The current commodity pr ices on the international market present 
compelling reasons for the urgent reform of the global architecture of trade rules in order to discipline measures that distort trade; 
 Other factors associated with operations of multinational corporations have also affected the 
Zambian economy in as far as capital flight is concerned, especially in the mining sector; 
 Market entry requirements have limited Zambia's capacity to penetrate certain markets. 
Standards and technical requirements maintained by trading partners continue to be a 
challenge. This problem has further been compounded by the proliferation of private standards, which are beyond the capacities of the private sector to cope and are thus deemed as a disguised barriers to trade; and 
 Challenges associated with trade liberalization. 
Future outlook and policy thrust 2.26.  Looking ahead, the ultimate goal of the Gove rnment is to improve the quality of life for all 
Zambians. Therefore, the major policy thrust going forward is to continue with policies and 
strategies that are targeted at diversifying the economy and also improving the productivity and competitiveness of the priority sectors. To this en d, the Government will continue to ensure that 
the economy remains resilient to any adverse external developments, such as those associated 
with volatile commodity prices in general and copper prices in particular.  
2.27.  The Government will continue to implement prudent fiscal and monetary policies so as 
ensure macroeconomic stability.  WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  2.28.  The Government will also continue nurtu ring the private sector growth and promoting 
research and development in all sectors of the economy. 
2.29.  At the same time, the Government aims  to continue to pursue measures aimed at 
promoting inclusive growth and job creation. The Go vernment will also continue to work with its 
cooperating partners in its quest to enhance Zambia's trade and economic development. 
2.30.  In an effort to support the measures of inclusive growth, Zambia recognizes the importance 
of easing the cost of trading across borders and in that regard, the country has embarked on a 
number of initiatives such as integrated systems for managing payment of systems and the latest 
being the national electronic single wi ndow which was launched in June 2016.  
Conclusion 2.31.  In conclusion, I would like to reiterate Zambia's commitment to the multilateral trading 
system. Zambia believes that the WTO is an impo rtant forum for promoting freer and fairer trade 
through a predictable trading environment that is go verned by rules. It is therefore important that 
we work towards concluding negotiations under the Doha Development Agenda and to implement 
commitments that have been made thus far including the outcome of the 10th WTO Ministerial 
Conference which was held in Nairobi, Kenya. 
2.32.  It is important to continue pursuing programmes that assist developing and least developed 
countries deal with impediments to trade so that they can be equal partners in global trade. 
Therefore, support towards the aid for trade initiative as well as the Enhanced Integrated Framework and the regular technical assistance programmes of the WTO should be enhanced. 
2.33.  In addition, we are of the view that instit utions such as the International Trade Centre and 
the United National Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) should be adequately 
resourced so that they continue to provide the valuable services to developing and least developed countries. 
2.34.  With these few remarks, I thank you all for your kind attention. WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT 
3.1.  I would like to welcome the distinguished dele gation of Zambia led by the Deputy Minister of 
Commerce, Trade and Industry, Honourable Raymond Mpundu.  
3.2.  At the outset, I would like to thank Zambia and the Secretariat for their comprehensive 
reports. I also thank the Secretariat for their valuable support. 
3.3.  In my intervention, I will first remark on  the broader economic developments, and thereafter 
discuss some specific aspects of Zambia's economic environment and trade policy.  
Major developments in the economy 
3.4.  Zambia's economic policies are designed with the objective of creating an enabling 
environment in which the private sector can be an engine of growth, as well as achieve sustainable 
development. A key part of this is economic diversification, through which inclusive growth, job 
and wealth creation can be achieved. It is also worth noting that Zambia  is a politically stable 
country  historically. It is against this backdrop that I proceed to highlight some developments in 
trade policies and practices of Zambia since the last review in 2009. 
3.5.  During the period under review, Zambia has registered relatively strong economic growth at 
an average rate of 6.6% per year up to 2015. This is attributed mainly to good global performance 
of commodities, in particular growing copper demand. Noticeable growth was realized in other 
sectors of the economy as well, including agriculture, construction, transport, communications, 
wholesale and retail.  
3.6.  The strong economic performance has helped move Zambia from a low income to 
lower-middle income country in 2014, in accordance with the World Bank analytical classification 
of economies. 
3.7.  However, growth decelerated from 2013, due to technical difficulties in the mining sector, 
coupled with weaker global demand for copper, an estimated 28% decline.1  
3.8.  A more detailed look into the economic performance points to a heavy reliance on 
commodities, in particular copper, which continues to be a top export earner, accounting for over 70% of the value of merchandise exports. In this connection, economic diversification remains a 
key objective for Zambia. 
3.9.  Zambia performed relatively well in attracting foreign direct investment, experiencing an 
upward trend in FDI inflows in the review period, registering almost fourfold increase (from US$700 million to US$2.5 billion) from 2009 to 2014. However, FDI was largely destined to the 
mining sector, and this further highlights that diversification remains a challenge.  
3.10.  For about 8 years, copper and its by-product s played a key role in the economy, and this 
has been highlighted in past TPRs. Several chal lenges have hampered diversification efforts, 
including factors such as supply-side constrains; high costs of doing business, some of which are 
related to energy-supply challenges; difficult access to finance, which significantly affects the competitiveness of Zambia
2; high interest rates; and recent macroeconomic developments such as 
those relating to tax policy changes in mining and exchange rate volatility. 
3.11.  The Secretariat report notes that falling international copper prices and high depreciation of 
the Kwacha (by some 50% over the period September 2014 to September 2015) have negatively affected Zambia's external position. The declin e in the copper prices and exports has had a big 
impact on government revenue, which in-turn led to growing fiscal deficit.  
                                               
1 African Economic Outlook 2016 report on Zambia; a joint publication of the African Development Bank, 
OECD Development Centre and UNDP 
2 WEF Global Competitiveness Report 2015/16 WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  3.12.  Related to this is that, even though total public debt has risen sharply over the past couple 
of years, Zambia can be commended for containing debt ratios within internationally acceptable thresholds.  
3.13.  Between 2009 and 2014, inflation was in single digits followed by a sharp rise to 21.1% as 
at end-December 2015. The latest available data estimates inflation at 21.3% in May 2016.
3 The 
rise in inflation was attributed to several factors, including: the sharp depreciation of the Kwacha, global economic downturn, and a decline in commodity prices in international markets. 
3.14.  Given the foregoing, especially the challenges highlighted, it is desirable that Zambian 
authorities continue to pursue macroeconomic reforms. Inflation, debt sustainability and macroeconomic stability are a key part of this.  
3.15.  Madam Chairperson, Zambia has made significant strides in reforming its business 
environment and this includes the establishment of one-stop shops and e-business registration. 
Zambia has also made significant legislative and institutional reforms, thus enhancing transparency and predictability. These relate to  protection of intellectual property rights, 
competition policy, and government procurement.  
3.16.  These reforms are expected to lead to sign ificant reduction in turnaround times for business 
registration and licensing, and streamlined regulato ry environment. Positives include an estimated 
26.6% saving in compliance costs for businesses; and improvement in rankings of the World Bank 
Group Doing Business Report in 2016, and the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Index in 2015/16.  
3.17.  These are indeed commendable efforts, and it would certainly be interesting to follow the 
long-term impact of these reforms on the ease of doing business in Zambia.  
Closer look at economic environment and trade policy 3.18.  There is consensus over the strong growth potential for agricultural production in Zambia, 
given the country's large fertile land and water resources endowment. However, out of about 58% 
total land area that is fertile, only 14% of agricultural land is utilized. Zambian authorities acknowledge the challenges in agriculture and have set in motion plans to invigorate agriculture 
production. This is to be encouraged, especially investment in the agriculture sector.  
3.19.  On customs procedures, we note Zambia introduced advance tariff ruling. This is a 
commendable development that serves to provide certainty to cross-border traders.  
3.20.  The Secretariat report also notes that Zambia has a limited coverage of tariff bindings, 
estimated at 16.7% of all tariff lines. Furthermore, tariffs are bound at ceiling levels with a simple 
average of the final bound tariffs estimated at 105.9%. The prevailing tariff profile can be perceived to limit the predictability of Zambia's tariff regime. The significant tariffs that remain 
unbound and the differences between the bound an d applied tariffs require some attention.  
3.21.  A case can thus be made for a need for a better balance between the pursuit of 
development imperatives and ensuring predictability in the Multilateral Trading System.  
3.22.  We note from the Secretariat report that there is a decline in State intervention in the 
economy, as the list of State-Owned Enterprises has decreased compared to previous Reviews. Further structural reform, such as commercialisation or privatisation of state-owned enterprises, where there is clear value addition, is encouraged. 
3.23.  Zambia actively participates in the WTO, and has notably ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation 
Agreement and notified its Category A, B and C commitments. This is a highly commendable effort and sets an example for the rest of the WTO member ship on the importance of trade facilitation to 
trade and development, especially for the smaller States. 
                                               
3 Viewed at: 
http://www.zamstats.gov.zm/report/Mont hly/Vol%20157%202016%20The% 20Monthly%20May.pdf . WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  3.24.  Zambia actively participates in the regional integration agenda, as a member of COMESA 
and SADC. Zambia is also engaged in the negotiations towards a COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area (Tripartite FTA), whose main objectives is to, among others, harmonize policies and address challenges that come with over lapping memberships among the three Regional 
Economic Communities (RECs). Zambia has notabl y signed the Tripartite FTA Agreement, even 
though negotiations are ongoing to operationalise  the FTA. All the above taken together, there is 
an opportunity to overcome whatever challe nges and conflicting policies between the two 
competing RECs (both with ambitions to become customs unions) under the Tripartite FTA 
configuration. 
3.25.  The Secretariat report highlights that the public procurement regime was reformed in 2013, 
resulting in decentralisation and a wide menu of procurement methods. The value of 
decentralisation notwithstanding, concerns about transparency, the possibility of wide discretion 
and consistency of application need to be addressed.  
3.26.  The Secretariat report also notes that Zambia still maintains export taxes on select goods. 
This remains one of the trade policy instruments of concern to the WTO Membership, as has been 
the case in past Reviews. There are concerns around export taxes hindering the competitiveness of countries and the appropriateness of the policy instrument. 
Conclusion  
3.27.  I have in this discussion only attempted to highlight some of the issues that I consider as 
central to the understanding and appreciation of the trade policies of Zambia. I have also tried to avoid taking up some of the areas that have drawn significant interest from the membership, 
taking into account the advance written questions. Some of these issues include: intellectual 
property rights, economic diversification and development of non-traditional exports, the prospects of a new importer/exporter self-clearance system, regional integration agenda, privatisations and 
public private partnership and investment in the agriculture sector.  
3.28.  I should, therefore conclude by, once ag ain, acknowledging the progress that Zambia has 
made, in spite of the prevailing unfavourable external and domestic conditions confronting its 
economy. I encourage Members to support Zambia as it puts in place policy initiatives and 
programmes that would stimulate sustainable econom ic progress and prosperity, for the benefit of 
its people and the multilateral trading system. 
3.29.  I look forward to an interesting exchange  on these and other issues that I am sure will 
enlighten us in the coming days. WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS 
CANADA 4.1.  Canada values its commercial relationship with Zambia, which ranks as the number one 
destination in Sub-Saharan Africa for investment by Canadian mining companies. We note with 
appreciation passage of the new Mineral Royalty Tax in May 2016, which has significantly 
improved the operating environment for mining co mpanies and is expected to have a positive 
impact on the Zambian economy.  
4.2.  Canada further commends Zambia on recent pro-business reforms such as making it easier 
to access credit information, improving tax paym ent methods, simplifying business registration 
and licensing procedures, and adopting new competit ion legislation. According to the World Bank's 
Ease of Doing Business ranking, Zambia holds the 97th position out of 189 economies. This places 
it among the top countries in which to do business in Africa.  
4.3.  However, the Zambian business climate still faces a number of persistent structural risks, 
including: a lack of adequately skilled workers, corruption, a relatively weak legal system, limited 
and costly credit, poor infrastructure, and excessive bureaucracy. Building on its recent successes, 
Canada encourages Zambia to consider further pro-business measures including for example, streamlining customs procedures, providing stronger tax incentives and creating a stronger, more 
stable and predictable regulatory environment. 
4.4.  With regards to the issue of corruption, we  recognize that corruption is a two-way street and 
that all countries need to do their part to fight corruption and ensure transparency. As indicated in the WTO Secretariat's trade policy report, Zambia has made considerable progress in the fight 
against corruption in recent years, strengthening its legal and institutional frameworks. In 
particular, we note that as of 2012 Zambia became  fully compliant with the Extractive Industries 
Transparency Initiative's Standard, which aims to improve transparency and accountability in the 
management of revenues from natural resources. Th ese efforts have improved Zambia's ranking in 
the Corruption Perception Index significantly since 2009.  
4.5.  However, corruption remains an important challenge in the country. We encourage the 
Government of Zambia to ensure that proper safeguards are in place to combat corruption, as well 
as to censure those who misuse public funds, steps that will help to promote growth and diversification in Zambia's economy. As an example, the Government of Canada requires all Canadian companies to comply with the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act or face sanctions 
and further expects all Canadian companies to live up to the highest ethical standard. When it was 
elected in 2011, the Zambian government promised immediate enactment of Access to Information legislation. Yet as of today, the bill is languishing in Parliament. We therefore urge the 
Government to enact it promptly.  
4.6.  Addressing corruption and other efforts to foster greater private-sector lead growth are 
critical to economic diversification. Zambia's economy is highly dependent on copper, which 
according to a World Bank report from 2015 account s for 77 percent of total exports. This makes 
Zambia vulnerable to external shocks such as recent low world copper prices and economic downturns in key export markets. Against this backdrop, we note the untapped potential of the tourism sector, an area where Zambia underperforms relative to some of its neighbours. We 
welcome the emphasis on tourism infrastructure in the government's Sixth National Development 
Plan (SNDP). Another sector with enormous growth potential is agriculture. However, a reliance on rain-fed practices has resulted in volatile production levels in recent years. We encourage the 
government of Zambia to undertake further effort s to improve agriculture infrastructure, including 
irrigation in order to build a more resilient sector. Canada looks forward to learning more about other initiatives to promote economic diversification throughout the course of this review. 
4.7.  Another major challenge for the Zambian economy is the ongoing electricity crisis. According 
to the World Bank, power shortages will continue to at least 2018. The Government report underlines detrimental effects of the crisis on the economy, including production and income losses. Moreover, current imports of emergency power are putting huge pressures on the budget, 
worsening the government's fiscal position. We encourage Zambia to improve sector planning and 
procurement processes for large power projects. WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  4.8.  Trade policy also has a role to play. We positively note Zambia's participation in sub-regional 
and continent-wide integration initiatives, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the SADC-EAC-COMESA Tripartite Framework. We also applaud Zambia's participation in negotiations to establish 
the Continental Free Trade Area under the African Union. These initiatives are not only important 
for market access, but will undoubtedly also cont ribute to strengthening transport, energy, and 
infrastructure links that are vital to increasing economic opportunities of a landlocked developing 
country. Canada encourages Zambia to continue in its efforts towards actively participating in the 
multilateral trading system, and in particular congratulates Zambia on being among the first countries in sub-Saharan Africa to ratify the Trade Facilitation Agreement.  
4.9.  In closing, Canada looks forward to having a constructive exchange of views on all aspects of 
Zambia's trade policy this week. We have submi tted a number of questions touching on many the 
themes just mentioned and thank Zambia for its re sponses. Let me end by saying that we also 
wish the delegation the utmost success during this review.   
CHILE 
4.10.  Para este 4º Examen, Chile formuló 4 consultas, las que están relacionadas, entre otras, 
con las siguientes materias: evolución del comercio y política comercial, acuerdos comerciales 
multilaterales y facilitación de comercio. 
4.11.  En estos últimos años la política exterior de Chile ha buscado acercarse al continente 
africano, adoptando medidas tales como: a) su acreditación ante la Unión Africana; b) su participación en el Foro América del Sur-África (ASA); c) la apertura de la embajada en Ghana 
(2013) y recientemente en Etiopía; d) la visita de la Presidenta Michelle Bachelet a Sudáfrica, 
Mozambique y Angola en agosto de 2014; e) la apertura de oficinas comerciales; f) la solicitud de ingreso como país observador a la Comunidad Económica de Estados de África Occidental; y g) el 
envío de misiones comerciales público-privadas a distintos países del continente. 
4.12.  Sobre la asistencia técnica y formación de capital humano me parece oportuno indicar que 
Chile tiene un programa de 30 becas de magíster para que profesionales africanos se especialicen 
e n  u n i v e r s i d a d e s  c h i l e n a s .  E s t e  p r o g r a m a  d e  b e cas se denomina "República de Chile - Becas 
Nelson Mandela". 
4.13.  Específicamente con Zambia, a través del Fondo Chile contra el Hambre y la Pobreza y la 
Fundación Africa Dream se ha realizado, entre el año pasado y este año, un proyecto de 
agricultura "Huertas comunitarias en la localidad de Sichili". 
4.14.  Por otra parte, el marcado deseo de Chile por contribuir con los objetivos del sistema 
multilateral de comercio y mejorar sus vínculos comerciales con los países más necesitados de 
África, también se puede encontrar en la Ley chilena del 28 de septiembre de 2013 que eliminó los 
aranceles para los 48 países menos adelantados. Este régimen unilateral de preferencias arancelarias no recíprocas para los PMA fija en 0% los derechos de aduana a las importaciones de 
mercancías originarias procedentes de este grupo de países. Por cierto que este régimen se 
encuentra totalmente operativo y vigente. 
4.15.  Zambia y Chile comparten su interés y preocupación por desarrollar políticas de apoyo a la 
pequeña y mediana minería, ambos países somos productores de cobre. 
4.16.  A pesar de que el intercambio comercial entre Chile y Zambia es bajo, estamos seguros que 
en los próximos años podremos incrementarlo por esa razón estamos interesados en este proceso, en las negociaciones de Zambia. 
4.17.  Con respecto al informe presentado, seguimos con atención los esfuerzos de Zambia por el 
desarrollo y el bienestar de su población. Felicitamos a Zambia por su sólido crecimiento económico, con un promedio anual del 6,6% los últimos 6 años hasta 2015; lo incentivamos a que 
continué reduciendo la inflación, sabemos que es una preocupación para el Banco de Zambia.  
4.18.  Esperamos que Zambia disminuya los elevad os costos de hacer negocios. Por otra parte, 
creemos – como lo señala el informe – que Zambia ha realizado varias reformas positivas WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  encaminadas a mejorar su entorno empresarial y at raer inversión extranjera. Ejemplo de esto es 
el sistema de registro de sociedades en línea y la aplicación de un registro electrónico, nos parece interesante la implementación del servicio de ventanilla única. 
4.19.  Le deseamos éxito al Organismo de Examen de la Reglamentación de las Empresas 
encargado de examinar las nuevas propuestas de licencias comerciales que se constituyó el año 
pasado.  
4.20.  No podemos pasar esta oportunidad para felicitar a Zambia por la ratificación del Acuerdo 
sobre Facilitación de Comercio y la notificación de sus compromisos de las categorías A, B y C.  
4.21.  Sabemos la importancia que tiene el sector agrícola para Zambia, medio de subsistencia 
para más del 70% de la población y 10% de su PIB y de los ingresos totales de exportación, razón por la cual lo instamos a que modernice y fomente la inversión en este sector de amplio potencial 
de crecimiento. Esperamos que continúe con el desarrollo de su Política Agrícola Nacional. 
Instamos a Zambia a que siga diversificando su canasta exportadora. 
CHINA 
4.22.  China is glad to see that Zambia registered strong growth against the backdrop of the global 
financial crisis since its last review in 2009. More importantly, the economic developments have improved the livelihood of its people and contribu ted to its social development. In the meantime, 
we also note that Zambia's economy is still much dependent on nature resources and vulnerable to 
external shocks. China is pleased to see the improvement on Zambia's trade and investment 
regime and we believe further integration into the global value chain would benefit Zambia's 
economic diversification and help to realize its "Vision 2030".  
4.23.  In the WTO, Zambia played a constructive role in the negotiation as a member of the G33, 
ACP, LDC and African group. We would also commend Zambia for its early ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement last December. We enjoy our good cooperation here in this organization 
and look forward to building stronger ties with our Zambia colleagues in the future. 
4.24.  On the bilateral front, China is Zambia's second largest trading partner. The bilateral trade 
volume was US$2.4 billion in 2015. Last July, China has implemented duty free treatment to 97% 
of the import products from Zambia. And in the first quarter of 2016, our import from Zambia has 
increased 33% compares to last year. Looking ahead, China is ready to actively engage in Zambia's diversification and industrialization process, with deeper and wider cooperation in sectors such as industrial capacity, agriculture, infrastructure construction, finance and human resources 
development.  
4.25.  In this regard, we encourage Zambia to build a more investment-friendly environment by 
increasing policy predictability and transparen cy, facilitate business register and licensing 
procedures, and provide more convenience for foreign investments. 
4.26.  Finally, we appreciate that Zambia provided  replies to the questions raised by China, which 
we will go through carefully. And I wish the tr ade policy review of Zambia a complete success. 
UNITED
 STATES 
4.27.  We appreciate the Government of Zambia and the WTO Secretariat reports. Each describes 
the various challenges that Zambia must overcome and the questions it must address in order to achieve more effective participation in the global trading system, and to use trade as an 
instrument for realizing greater economic growth and development. 
4.28.  Zambia has made noteworthy progress since its last Trade Policy Review in 2009. It has 
continued to witness economic growth – averag ing 6.6% since 2009 despite a slowdown in 2015. 
As the Secretariat's report points out, lower global demand and prices for copper in 2015 coupled 
with technical difficulties in Zambia's mining se ctor reflect Zambia's continuing overreliance on 
copper and mining for the nation's economic growth , and the negative impact the sector can play 
on the nation's well-being during down times  But we also recognize the Government of Zambia's WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  efforts to implement reforms aimed at improving the business environment and attracting foreign 
investment to help boost the country's competitiveness and diversify its economy. 
4.29.  The United States enjoys a vibrant bilateral trade relationship with Zambia. Two-way United 
States-Zambia goods trade totaled US$143 million in 2015 – a 112% increase since the last 
review, mainly due to an increase in U.S. imports of  jewelry from Zambia, as well as an increase in 
U.S. exports of a variety of manufactured products. Zambia is eligible for trade preferences under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), wh ich has been extended through 2025. In recent 
years, substantially all U.S. imports from Zambia have entered the United States duty-free, under 
the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), zero -duty most-favored-nation provisions and, to a 
lesser extent, AGOA. 
4.30.  During the period of review, Zambia expo rted a very limited number of products to the 
United States under the provisions of AGOA. We encourage the Government of Zambia to develop 
an AGOA utilization strategy to take better advantage of the programme, and as called for in the latest AGOA legislation. In this connection, we are pleased to note our partnership with Zambia 
under Trade Africa, which is an initiative launched during the Obama Administration aimed at 
increasing African regional trade, as well as trade with the United States. Under our Trade Africa partnership with Zambia, we are committed to working with the Government of Zambia not only to 
help it make greater use of the benefits of AGOA to increase bilateral trade, but also to help it 
improve its capacity to boost regional trade and ma ke the most of the opportunities afforded by its 
membership in the WTO.  
4.31.  We are also pleased to note that Zambia is involved in two other major initiatives related to 
economic growth and development: the Millennium Challenge Account, administered by the 
Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and Feed  the Future, the United States' global hunger 
and food security initiative. In 2012, Zambia signed an MCC compact, which entered into force in 
2013. The US$355 million compact will help improve drainage, water and sanitation in the capital 
city of Lusaka, as well as the Government of Zambia's ongoing efforts at water sector reform. Zambia is also a partner in the U.S. Feed the Future Initiative, which aims to decrease hunger and 
poverty by improving food security. We look forw ard to our work and increased cooperation with 
Zambia as it moves ahead to boost its food security. 
4.32.  We enthusiastically commend Zambia's rati fication of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement 
(TFA), as noted in the Secretariat's report. The TFA will set the stage for more efficient customs 
and border procedures and coordination in Zambia. We stand ready to work with Zambia to ensure 
its timely implementation of the agreement. 
4.33.  We agree with the Secretariat's report that Zambia's participation in the multilateral trading 
system remains limited. We encourage Zambia to continue to work towards establishing a 
transparent trade policy process that will allow for more active engagement in the multilateral trading system and more follow-up on multilater al issues, recognizing the capacity challenges 
Zambia faces. We also encourage Zambia to continue efforts to improve implementation of the 
WTO agreements, including the Customs Valuation, Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS), and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreements. 
4.34.  We also want to acknowledge our apprecia tion for the thorough responses Zambia provided 
to our written questions.   
4.35.  To conclude, the United States stands ready to work with Zambia, and appreciates the 
opportunity to participate in this review of Zambia's trade policy. We look forward to our dialogue 
with the Government, both within the WTO and on a bilateral basis. 
BRAZIL 4.36.  The delegation of Brazil listened with attention to the presentation on the current state-of-
play of the Zambian economy and trade policy strategy. Brazil takes great interest in this exercise 
– in particular, in light of the circumstances surrounding Zambia's trade policy as a Least-Developed Country Member of the WTO, and the challenges posed by this circumstance to 
its integration in the global economy. WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  4.37.  Brazil would like to emphasize the robust average rate of GDP growth – of 6.6% – recorded 
by Zambia between 2009 and 2015. Since the last review, investments inflows almost quadrupled. 
The reforms undertaken by the Zambian Government with a view to enhancing the business environment, such as the streamlining of business registry have most certainly played a role in 
this commendable performance.  
4.38.  Zambia is, nonetheless, faced with the challenges posed by high inflation caused among 
other factors by the depreciation of its currency. The falling prices of copper have also impacted 
Zambia's economic performance - in particular its current account results - in recent years. 
Zambian economy still relies largely on the mining sector and, more specifically, on copper. As many commodities exporters Zambia still faces the daunting challenge of diversifying its economy.  
4.39.  Brazil commends Zambia's engagement to trade liberalization and its support to the 
multilateral trading system. Brazil would like to congratulate Zambia for its ratification of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement and the notification of  the categories A, B and C commitments.  
4.40.  With regard to our bilateral relations, Zambia and Brazil have a long history of diplomatic 
ties – harking back to 1970s – which has received a recent push by the reopening of the Brazilian 
Embassy in Lusaka in 2007, leading to increased bilateral trade and investment flows.  
4.41.  However, despite this history of diplomatic friendship, trade and investment relations 
between Zambia and Brazil have yet to achieve their full potential. Bilateral trade is still very small 
and trade flows suffered from sharp fluctuations in the last years. We recorded an increase in imports from Zambia last year, due to a spike in shipping of copper. In the same period, Brazil's exports of agricultural machinery suffered a subs tantial drop by 80%. We hope to see greater 
diversification in the future with a wider range of products being traded bilaterally. 
4.42.  Brazilian investors have also been showing growing interest in the Zambian market. A 
Brazilian mining company established commercial presence in Zambia in 2010 and it is now a 
partner in the Lubambe copper mine joint venture, investing in the Zambian economy and 
generating jobs. Other Brazilian companies have been looking attentively at business opportunities offered by the Zambian Government's projects in different areas such as the energy and 
construction sectors.  
4.43.  Zambia enjoys a strategic position in the very heart of sub-Saharan Africa. This location and 
the efforts by the national Government aiming at converting Zambia from a "landlocked" into a "land-linked" country turn Zambia into a fundamental partner in the African continent.  
4.44.  Brazil presented some questions to Zambia in connection to this TPR, and we appreciate 
their efforts in providing answers that will be re viewed carefully by my colleagues in our capital. 
EUROPEAN
 UNION 
4.45.  Following a long period of political stability, Zambia enjoyed a high growth rate until 2011 
with a 5.7% GDP growth average during the pe riod from 2002-2012. Zambia also achieved a 
lower middle-income status. However, this should not disregard the fact that the proportion of 
people living in poverty remains very high with an estimated 23.4% in urban areas compared to 
76.6% in rural areas, while the extreme poverty is 40.8% at national level.  
4.46.  Macroeconomic fundamentals deteriorated in the last few years, with growing fiscal deficits 
and debt in 2014 and 2015. The falling price of copper, which is an important and growing 
component of Zambia's trade (it grew from 41% to 73% of all Zambia's exports between 2008 and 
2014) has certainly played a role in this situation together with certain adverse public policy choices. In addition, the shortage of power caused by abnormally low water levels has contributed 
to worsen the economic situation and make trade and commercialization of goods even more 
difficult from July 2015. All this has been reflected in the depreciation of the Zambian Kwacha.  
4.47.  After its March 2016 mission, the IMF observed that the economy is under intense pressure 
and Government finances under immense stress. The IMF also indicated that a package of 
measures making clear that fiscal pressures are being tackled would boost market confidence and WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  pave the way for increased investment and growth. According to the WTO Secretariat report, the 
IMF considers Zambia's potential as strong.   
4.48.  The EU would like to highlight that Zambia  ratified the Trade Facilitation Agreement and 
notified its Category A, B and C commitments. This  is an important step and very much welcomed 
as it shows Zambia's commitment to promoting trade which is an engine for its growth. The EU 
also supports Zambia's call to donors to coordinate their assistance on trade facilitation.  
4.49.  We are convinced that there are policies that Zambia can adopt which would help its 
development further. Among those we think that prio rity should be given to ensuring predictability 
and stability in the business environment while pursuing further efforts to facilitate business and attract investors. Consultations with stakeholders  should be promoted and actively pursued. An 
example here is the case of the imposition of royalty taxes on mines, which was done without 
adequate consultation and resulted in businesses reversing investment decisions. Investing more 
in education, in order to ensure that the necessary skills are available and can be tapped by investors, is also fundamental. 
4.50.  The EU has raised a number of advance written questions to Zambia. Among them, we 
would like to know how Zambia sees its involvement with its regional trade partners, in particular its participation in both COMESA and SADC. The EU is interested in further details on how Zambia 
intends to manage the potentially contradicting obligations that may result from its double 
membership in these regional organizations.  
4.51.  Regarding our bilateral trade relations, Zambia benefits of the "Everything But Arms" 
scheme and therefore all its exports except arms  and ammunition enter the EU duty free and 
quota free. The EU supports Zambia's strate gic goals and provides important development 
assistance (about €484 million for the 11th Europe an Development Fund). The assistance provided 
under that Fund covers among others the following sectors: agriculture, energy, governance, 
including public finance, to mention just a few. 
4.52.  Zambia rightly considers that trade is a cr ucial engine for its growth, and the EU hopes that 
this review will bring important insights to Zambia for its future trade policy choices. Let me 
conclude by wishing Zambia a very successful Trade Policy Review. 
MAURITIUS 4.53.  Mauritius commends Zambia for its overall economic performance recording an average real 
GDP growth of 6.5% per annum for over the past 6 years. 
4.54.  We also commend the Zambian Government on the reforms undertaken aimed at improving 
the business climate and attracting investment, namely the online system for business registration. 
4.55.  Similar to reforms which have taken place in Mauritius, Zambia has established a Business 
Licensing Reform Committee to review licensing affecting business operations. This is indeed a very good step as over regulation stifle enterprise development and investment. 
4.56.  The establishment of the Business Regulatory Review Agency is definitely a very good step 
and would send the right signal to the outside community. 
4.57.  With respect to its multilateral obligations, Zambia has ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation 
Agreement. As a landlocked country, trade facilitation and trade in services are extremely 
important to Zambia as well for Mauritius as we are a small island developing country. 
4.58.  Our two countries share common membership of the SADC and COMESA. We cooperate 
actively in various instances internationally as well as at the continental level through a shared 
aspiration for effective continental integration and deepened regional trade through the 
SADC-EAC-COMESA Tripartite Free Trade Area Negotiations. WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  4.59.  Mauritius also pursues the same vision as Zambia under the Accelerated Programme for 
Economic Integration aimed at reducing the barriers to trade in the region together with Mozambique, Seychelles and Malawi.   
4.60.  Our two countries are highly vulnerable to  exogenous shocks and external pressures. Any 
setback on the international economic landscape impacts us directly whether it is the price of 
copper or agricultural products for Zambia or impact on the tourism industry or manufacturing sector in Mauritius. 
4.61.  We laud the vision of the Government of Zambia in its Vision 2030 to make Zambia "a 
prosperous Middle Income Country". Similarly we have our own economic vision to transform Mauritius into a high income economy by 2030. Our overarching aim is to improve the lives and 
conditions of our respective peoples. 
4.62.  We are encouraged by the significant efforts by the Government of Zambia for creating the 
enabling environment aimed at promoting economic  diversification, private sector led growth 
through an inclusive growth approach. We urge  the traditional development partners and the 
international community to lend its sustained support to the Government of Zambia as it aims to 
sustain macroeconomic stability, low inflation, attr act FDI, and continues to engage at regional and 
multilateral level on substantive trade policy issues. 
4.63.  On the bilateral front, Mauritius and Zambia have established a Joint Commission which 
provides a platform for the two countries to discuss issues of mutual interest. 
4.64.  Our trade relations need to be improved with imports level varying primarily on the level of 
cotton fibre imports from Zambia. We have seen a surge in export and we intend to diversify the 
range of export products. This is evidenced by Maur itius being one of the major source of fertilizer, 
wheat and textiles imports for Zambia.   
4.65.  Mauritius also intends to broaden the areas of cooperation initiated between our two 
countries. The Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement has entered into force this year. 
4.66.  We have proposed to Zambia the renegotiation of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement, and 
on MoU on Cooperation in the field of Tourism and Aquaculture. We also look forward to 
collaborate on the MoU on Movement of Business Persons as well as Professional and Tertiary 
Education Mobility. 
MALI 4.67.  Ma délégation voudrait saluer le réalisme des orientations macroéconomiques à moyen 
terme que le Gouvernement zambien s'est fixées. Ainsi, jouissant d'une remarquable stabilité 
macroéconomique depuis 2009, le pays a enregistré en moyenne un taux de croissance du PIB de 6,5% avec un taux d'inflation faible à un chiffre. L'endettement du pays est fort soutenable et 
représente 28% du PIB en 2013 avec un ratio de dette publique inférieur à la norme 
conventionnelle (52% contre 56% requis). Je voudrais, à cet effet, saluer ces réalisations de la Zambie. 
4.68.  Pour atteindre son objectif de "Pays à revenu intermédiaire prospère d'ici 2030", la Zambie 
a opté pour la mise en œuvre d'un programme de réforme pour le développement du secteur privé visant particulièrement à améliorer le climat des affaires et à réduire le coût de l'activité commerciale. 
4.69.  L'intégration du commerce dans les diverses politiques et stratégies sectorielles définies 
dans le Plan de développement national et la simplification poussée des procédures à travers un Programme de réforme des licences d'exportation témoignent à suffisance de la détermination du 
Gouvernement zambien à créer les conditions les plus favorables au commerce. 
4.70.  La présence remarquée de la Zambie dans les différentes négociations à l'OMC et dans le 
cadre du COMESA, de la SADC et de la Communauté de l'Afrique de l'est traduit fortement 
l'attachement de la Zambie au système commercial multilatéral et à l'intégration africaine. Nous 
tenons à l'en saluer. WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  4.71.  Mon pays, le Mali, entretient d'excellentes  relations bilatérales avec la Zambie que nous 
saluons. Ma délégation voudrait à ce stade encourag er la Zambie à poursuivre et persévérer sur la 
voie des réformes engagées et à diversifier son économie pour une croissance soutenue et durable. Et nous lui souhaitons plein succès dans cet Examen de politique commerciale. 
LESOTHO 
4.72.  We acknowledge the measures that the Government of Zambia has taken since the last 
review. At the center of these initiatives we note the primacy of the Revised Sixth National 
Development Plan which serves as a blueprint towards realizing Vision 2030. The plan has, 
fittingly, emphasized the fundamental role of international trade as an engine for economic growth and development. 
4.73.  We also take note of both the enactment and amendment of various laws including 
Competition and Consumer Protection Act, Copyright and Performance Rights Act, Business 
Regulatory Act to name but a few, which augur well for trade and investment to thrive in the country. 
4.74.  The progress that Zambia has made in the area  of trade facilitation is also indeed worthy of 
note. Zambia ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation  Agreement in December 2015, and notified its 
Categories A, B, and C commitments in January 2016. Zambia has also put in place ASYCUDA 
World system, and established centralized centres to process import and export documents to 
simplify and modernize customs procedures. More im portantly, it is encouraging that all customs 
posts assigned for clearance of commercial consignments are automated, and all declarations are electronic.  
4.75.  These efforts coupled with initiatives to  improve business registration process, through 
various online systems such as e-Single Window, eVisa, Tax Online, Integrated Land Management and Information system (ZILMIS) are poised to reduce the costs of doing business in Zambia and 
as well as attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). In this regard, it is also interesting to notice 
that the FDI inflows into Zambia quadrupled between 2009 and 2014. 
4.76.  Despite the successes, we note that Zamb ia, like other Members, face challenges which 
merit increased technical assistance and thus any requested support should be extended to 
Zambia in its pursuit to promote trade and investment. 
ROYAUME
 DU MAROC  AU NOM  DU GROUPE  AFRICAIN 
4.77.  Je fais cette déclaratio n au nom du Groupe Africain. 
4.78.  En tant que pays africain, c'est pour le Groupe Africain un immense plaisir de participer 
aujourd'hui à cet examen des politiques commerciales de la Zambie qui, j'en suis convaincu, sera l'occasion de permettre aux pays Membres de notre Organisation de prendre connaissance des 
réformes économiques et commerciales réalisées par ce pays ami et frère dans le système du 
commerce multilatéral.  
4.79.  L'économie zambienne représente le troisi ème PIB de l'Afrique australe et a enregistré un 
taux de croissance de 7,5% en moyenne au cours des 10 dernières années.  
4.80.  La Zambie se positionne au 7ème rang en Afrique sub-saharienne dans l'index de 
compétitivité global. Le secteur minier a tiré la croissance jusqu'en 2013 grâce à la hausse des cours mondiaux. Le pays est le second producteur africain de cuivre après la RDC et le huitième 
producteur au niveau mondial. 
4.81.   La Zambie bénéficie, d'autre part, d'une politique de diversification économique active 
soutenue par les bailleurs de fonds. Les flux d'investissements directs étrangers ont atteint 2 Mds 
de dollars EU ces trois dernières années. 
4.82.  Par ailleurs, le pays reste déterminé à créer des conditions favorables au commerce. En 
cela, le Gouvernement continue de promouvoir et de faciliter les échanges pour optimiser WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  l'allocation des ressources limitées du pays à travers l'intégration du commerce dans les diverses 
politiques et stratégies sectorielles définies dans le Plan de développement national. 
4.83.  Le Gouvernement continue également de mener des réformes destinées à améliorer les 
conditions de l'activité des entreprises. Ces réformes, axées notamment sur les licences 
d'exploitation, la main-d'œuvre et l'expansion du commerce, visent à améliorer la compétitivité de 
l'économie par l'investissement, la productivité, le développement des entreprises et l'emploi. 
4.84.  La création de l'Agence de développement de la Zambie (ZDA) s'inscrit dans le cadre de la 
stratégie nationale de la promotion les investissements. Elle est chargée de stimuler la croissance 
économique et le développement du pays par la promotion du commerce et de l'investissement ainsi que la mise en œuvre d'une stratégie efficiente, efficace et coordonnée visant à un développement économique tiré par le secteur privé. 
4.85.  Le Groupe Africain se félicite également de la vision à laquelle souscrit la Zambie en ce qui 
concerne le libre-échange comme une condition néce ssaire au renforcement de la compétitivité et 
de la productivité sur le long terme.  
4.86.  C'est dans cet esprit que la Zambie participe aux négociations multilatérales menées à 
l'OMC et négocie avec l'UE dans le cadre du COME SA, en vue de conclure un accord de partenariat 
économique, conformément à l'Accord de Cotonou.  
4.87.  Le pays participe également aux négociations menées au titre de l'initiative tripartite entre 
le COMESA, la Communauté de développement d'Afrique australe (SADC) et la Communauté d'Afrique de l'Est (CAE), qui a conduit au lancement de la Zone de libre-échange tripartite en juin 2015, ainsi qu'aux négociations visant à établir une zone de libre-échange continentale dans 
le cadre de l'Union Africaine d'ici à 2017. 
4.88.  La Zambie est Membre de l'OMC depuis janvier 1995 et Membre du GATT depuis 
février 1994. Il est un pays défenseur du système commercial multilatéral. Ses intérêts, comme 
ceux du Groupe, sont prépondérants dans le cadr e du PDD. Elle figure parmi les quelques pays 
africains qui ont ratifié l'Accord sur la facilitation des échanges et notifié leurs engagements relevant des trois catégories prévues dans l'Accord. 
4.89.  De plus, la Zambie est favorable au renforcement des programmes d'assistance technique 
en faveur des Pays en Développement et des Pays les Moins Avancés (PMA) dans plusieurs domaines de l'OMC. Cette vision de la Zambie est largement partagée par les pays membres du Groupe Africain. 
4.90.  Permettez-moi, en ma capacité nationale et  au nom du Royaume du Maroc, de féliciter le 
Gouvernement de la Zambie pour ses efforts visant à créer les conditions favorables au développement du commerce et des investissements ces dernières années ainsi que pour son 
dynamisme au sein du commerce multilatéral. 
SÉNÉGAL 4.91.  Le Sénégal s'associe à la déclaration du Maroc au nom du Groupe Africain et note que 
depuis son dernier Examen de politique commerciale en 2009, la Zambie a poursuivi ses efforts de 
relance de l'économie qui a enregistrées sur la période, un taux de croissance moyen fort appréciable de 6,6%.  
4.92.  Ma délégation se félicite de la nouvel le dynamique économique impulsée par le Plan de 
développement national révisé, visant comme objectifs principaux la création d'emplois par des 
investissements ciblés et stratégiques, la promotion de développement rurales et le développement humain par des investissements dans le secteur social.  
4.93.  En mettant l'accent sur ces secteurs stratégiques de croissance, ce plan devrait permettre 
de diversifier l'économie du pays, d'améliorer l'environnement économique et commercial, et de booster aussi les investissements productifs dont le pays a besoin.  WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  4.94.  Á cet égard, je voudrais particulièrement saluer l'option prise par les autorités zambiennes 
de placer l'agriculture au cœur de cette politique de développement compte tenu de la place prépondérante de ce secteur dans la création d'emplois (70% de la population active). En ce qui concerne la politique commerciale, il me plait de noter que la Zambie demeure attachée au 
système commercial multilatéral, comme en témoignent sa ratification de l'Accord de la facilitation 
des échanges, de même que les réformes entreprises par le Gouvernement dans ce domaine avec l'élimination des obstacles au commerce.  
4.95.  Dans ce cadre, les réformes visant à la simplification et à la rationalisation des procédures 
douanières à travers notamment la mise en place d'un système frontalier efficace et moderne sont à saluer.  
4.96.  En effet, compte tenu de l'enclavement du pays, l'intégration régionale est un facteur 
essentiel de développement de la Zambie et devrait permettre de tenir profit des accords 
bilatéraux, régionaux et multilatéraux dans le cadre notamment du Marché commun pour l'Afrique de l'est et l'Afrique australe (COMESA) et de la Communauté de développement de l'Afrique 
australe (SADC). 
4.97.  Je voudrais, avant de conclure, encourager le Gouvernement de votre pays, qui est un pays 
frère et ami du mien, à poursuivre les efforts entrepris pour réduire l'inflation, renforcer les 
capacités en matière d'offre, diversifier la production et les exportations, et promouvoir le 
développement de secteur des services.  
4.98.  C'est à l'aune de ces efforts que votre pays atteindra sans nul doute les objectifs qu'il s'est 
assignés dans la cadre de sa Vision 2030 qui est d'être un pays à revenu intermédiaire prospère. 
RÉPUBLIQUE
 DU CONGO 
4.99.  Nous saluons l'importante contribution de la délégation zambienne aux activités 
multilatérales à l'OMC à Genève et ainsi qu'au sein du Groupe Africain.  
4.100.  Comme c'est le cas dans de nombreux pa ys africains, l'économie zambienne est encore 
tributaire d'un seul produit de base, ici c'est le cuivre, ce qui la rend vulnérable aux fluctuations du marché. De ce fait et à juste raison, le rapport présente de nombreux défis auxquels le pays est 
confronté, le premier étant la diversification de l'économie zambienne. Mais de nombreux progrès 
ont été également relevés au nombre desquels l'amélioration du climat des affaires qui ont permis d'améliorer le rang de la Zambie à cet égard, et de faire de ce pays un pays à revenu intermédiaire prospère.  
4.101.  Nous encourageons la Zambie à poursuivre ces efforts en vue de l'amélioration de son 
cadre législatif et institutionnel et à exploiter au maximum son potentiel agricole avec ces dignitaires arabes. Son intégration et sa part des situations actives au sein de la SADC est un 
atout indéniable pour lui permettre de sortir de sa situation de pays enclavé. 
4.102.  Tout naturellement et dans un cadre global, l'intégration africaine en perspective, avec les 
opportunités qu'elle offre sera pour la Zambie un moyen d'un fort potentiel de croissance 
économique. Á cet égard, nous saluons l'engagement permanent des autorités zambiennes en vue 
de l'émergence d'une zone économique continentale. 
4.103.  Le Congo souhaite plein succès à la Zambie à l'occasion de ce quatrième Examen de sa 
politique commerciale.  
THE
 SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERROTORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU 
4.104.  As we can see from the reports, the Government of Zambia has successfully maintained 
annual growth of the economy at an average rate of 6.6% over the last few years, while at the 
s a m e  t i m e  m a n a g i n g  t o  k e e p  t h e  r a t e  o f  u n e m p l o y m e n t  d o w n  a t  a r o u n d  1 3 % ,  w h i c h  i s  a  
commendable achievement.  WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  4.105.  It is important that Zambia continues to develop its regional and bilateral cooperative 
trading relationships, while at the same time actively participating in the regular work of the WTO, expanding economic cooperation with other Members, and striving to diversify its economy. 
4.106.  It is noted that the Government of Zambia has designated agriculture, manufacturing, 
energy, construction, tourism and mining as the key growth sectors for creating a more 
prosperous economy and favourable business environment. We look forward to having the opportunity of working more closely with Zambia in the future, especially in the manufacturing, 
energy and tourism sectors. I just like to poin t out that there were over 13 million outbound 
visitors from the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu to various parts of the world in 2015. With beautiful scenery and unique wildlife, there is a great potential to encourage our tourists to visit Zambia.  
4.107.  Although the value of two-way trade betw een us and Zambia is only about US$90 million a 
year at present, we are sure that the multilateral trading mechanism that bonds us together through the WTO provides plenty of opportunities for us to develop closer trade and economic 
cooperation in the future. 
ZIMBABWE 4.108.  My delegation is pleased to note that Zambia has made significant progress on various 
fronts during the period currently under review. The country achieved strong economic growth 
which averaged 6.6% between 2009 and 2015 and Gross National Income per capita rose to 
US$1,680 in 2014 thus making Zambia a lower-middle income country. 
4.109.  This progress has been achieved in spite of a number of economic challenges that Zambia 
continues to grapple with including over-reliance on copper, which is the country's major export 
earner. This has resulted in economic vulnerability to exogenous shocks. Other challenges include weak infrastructure, complex administrative procedures and lack of adequate finance, high cost of 
doing business and uncertainties related to macroeconomic policies. 
4.110.  It is pleasing to note that Zambia also performed well in terms of attracting foreign direct 
investment between 2009 and 2014 resulting in a fourfold increase from US$700 million to 
US$2.5 billion. However, due to limited diversification FDI was largely destined to the mining 
sector. We, therefore, call upon the development partners to support Zambia's diversification strategy through provision of technical assistance and funding to address the economic challenges. 
4.111.  In order to maintain progress in certain areas and mitigate the country's drawbacks, 
Zambia has adopted and implemented various programmes which include the Revised Sixth 
National Development Plan (2013-2016), reforms in the investment regimes which have seen the country improving its ranking on the ease of do ing business from 100 in 2009 to 97 in 2016, and 
global competitiveness from 112 in 2008/09 to 96 in 2015/16. We would like to encourage Zambia 
to maintain this positive trend.  
4.112.  At the multilateral level, Zambia is an active Member of the WTO. Both Zambia and 
Zimbabwe are active members of the Common Mark et of Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) 
and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Both countries are also involved in the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area and th e Continental Free Trade Area initiatives that 
are meant to liberalize and promote trade in Africa.  
4.113.  On the bilateral front, Zimbabwe has strong historical and cultural ties with Zambia. Trade 
and political relations with Zambia date back to the colonial days of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland when the two countries were tied in a Federation involving what is now Zimbabwe, 
Zambia and Malawi. The two countries continue to enjoy cordial relations. 
4.114.  Zambia is amongst the five top trading partners of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe exports among 
other products; coking coal, sulphuric acid, cement, frozen fish, footwear and ferro-chromium to 
Zambia. Imports from Zambia include maize and maize seed, soya beans, sacks and bags of 
polymer and electricity among other products. WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  4.115.  Trade between the two countries has gradually increased over the period to 2012. Total 
trade was over US$282 million in 2014 which was a decrease from over US$500 million recorded in 2012. This trade is largely governed by the COMESA Treaty and the SADC Protocol on Trade. 
Periodic Joint Permanent Commission meetings are convened between the two countries to discuss 
matters of mutual interest including trade and investment.  
4.116.  With a view to facilitating trade, the two countries are jointly implementing the "Simplified 
Trade Regime" programme which seeks to reduce the burdensome procedures in the clearance of 
goods by Small and Medium Enterprises importing goods below US$1000. The two countries 
operate a One-Stop-Border system at Chirundu Border Post. This has significantly improved border efficiency and speedy clearance of goods as well as reduction of trade costs. 
PARAGUAY 
4.117.  Estimamos positivamente la participación de Zambia en este ejercicio, en este momento 
de buen desempeño económico y de expansión comercial.  
4.118.  En ese sentido, la economía de Zambia ha experimentado con un crecimiento medio del 
PIB real del 6,5%, muy por encima de la media mundial, lo cual se ha dado principalmente a los 
buenos resultados de la producción agrícola y al crecimiento positivo de los sectores del transporte, el almacenamiento y las comunicaciones, y la construcción. 
4.119.  Así como lo ha afirmado el señor Viceministro, el entorno macroeconómico ha sido estable 
en líneas generales, con déficits fiscales bajos aunque con algunas turbulencias en las tasas de inflación del año 2015, debido a la pronunciada depreciación de la moneda local. 
4.120.  En ese sentido, las políticas económicas im pulsadas por el Gobierno de Zambia han tenido 
por objeto crear un entorno propicio que apoye al sector privado como motor de crecimiento y 
desarrollo sostenible. La prioridad fundamental de las políticas es la diversificación económica y la elaboración de productos de valor añadido, en aras de un crecimiento inclusivo mediante la 
creación de empleo y riqueza. Esto se ve reflejado en el Sexto Plan Nacional de Desarrollo 
(2011-2015) y en el Sexto Plan Nacional de Desarrollo Revisado (R-SNDP) (2013-2016), los cuales están vinculados a la Visión 2030 de Zambia de convertirse en un próspero país de ingreso 
mediano para 2030. 
4.121.  Como vimos en los informes de la Secretaría y del Gobierno, durante el período en estudio, 
la política comercial de Zambia estuvo centrada principalmente, entre otros aspectos, en el fomento de las exportaciones, la promoción de las inversiones y la facilitación del comercio, así 
como en la diversificación, la potenciación del comercio y la competencia internos, y la mejora del 
acceso a los mercados para los productos y servicios. 
4.122.  No obstante, así como los Miembros que me antecedieron, también consideramos que aún 
existen varios desafíos para Zambia en esta casa, como ser: el incremento en la cobertura del 
arancel consolidado, reducir la brecha entre el arancel consolidado y aplicado, así como otras cuestiones referentes a la valoración aduanera y el sistema de notificaciones. 
4.123.  Por otro lado, quiero destacar que Zambia y Paraguay comparten características similares, 
ambos países nos encontramos en continentes pujantes, y carecemos de salida directa al mar. En ese contexto, Zambia es un aliado estratégico del Paraguay dentro del Grupo de Países en Desarrollo sin Litoral, tanto en la OMC como en la UNCTAD. Esto quedó demostrado en la activa 
participación de nuestro grupo en las negociaciones para el Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del 
Comercio, y principalmente en la concreción del Programa de Acción de Viena para los Países Sin Litoral. 
4.124.  En el período en estudio, los flujos de comercio entre Paraguay y Zambia se han 
mantenido muy por debajo de su potencialidad, por lo  cual creemos que esta es un área en el cual 
nuestros gobiernos deben dar mayor énfasis.  
4.125.  Para concluir, vale la pena destacar que el Paraguay y Zambia comparten la misma visión 
sobre el futuro del sistema multilateral comercio, apoyamos la pronta implementación del Acuerdo WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  sobre Facilitación del Comercio y un futuro Programa de Trabajo Post-Nairobi centrado en el libre 
comercio y el desarrollo. 
INDIA 4.126.  India-Zambia relations are historic, friendly and expanding. The Zambian Vice President, 
Mrs. Inonge Wina, represented Zambia at the III India Africa Forum Summit held in New Delhi in 
October 2015. During the period under revi ew, the bilateral trade grew by 83% from 
US$422.4 million in the year 2008- 09 to US$773.51 million in the year  2015-16. Indian exports to 
Zambia increased to US$298 million in the year 2015-16 from US$107 million in the year 2008-09. 
Indian imports from Zambia increased to US$475.38 million in the year 2015-16 from US$208.40 million in 2008-09. Zambia maintains a tr ade surplus with India. On the investment 
front, Indian investments in Zambia are estimated to be over US$3 billion, in sectors such as 
banking, mining, coal handling and washing plants.  
4.127.  Over the years, India has been a close development partner of Zambia and has provided 
economic assistance in the form of concessional credit for undertaking development projects, as 
well as capacity building initiatives through scholarships for various higher education courses and 
technical training under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC). Construction of a 650 pre-fabricated health posts project is underw ay in Zambia, 120 MW Itezhi Tezhi Hydropower 
Project (ITHP), a joint venture project of Zambia's State Power utility ZESCO and TATA Power of 
India, which was commissioned by President Edgar Lungu in March 2016, are some of the infrastructure projects implemented by India under concessional lines of credit.  
4.128.  India has extended duty free quota free market access to LDCs, and we are pleased to 
note that Zambia has been benefitting from the Duty Free Tariff Preference Scheme. Of Zambia's 
top 20 export items, India provides duty-free acce ss to 15 items and preferential duty on another 
one item. India has accorded preferential treatm ent to Zambia's services and service suppliers 
under its LDC services waiver scheme.  
4.129.  Let me highlight some specific concerns, which particularly affect India's trade with 
Zambia. These include: (i) a delay involved in grant of work visas and extension of the same, 
which is acting as a barrier to free trade; and (ii) problem of non-acceptance of test certificates by 
the concerned Zambian authorities of certificates issued by the Central Power Research Institute of India in respect of electrical equipment and machinery. We would request the Zambian authorities to review its policy and procedures regarding work visas to professionals as well as the 
requirement of certification from a third country other than the country of origin, to facilitate 
bilateral trade.  
4.130.  India is impressed with: (i) Zambia's relatively strong economic growth at an average rate 
of 6.6% per year from the year 2009 up to 2015; (ii) Zambia becoming a lower-middle income 
country in 2014 with a GNI per capita of US$1,680 as per the World Bank classification; and (iii) Zambia achieving notable improvements in life expectancy at birth and education, which 
helped Zambia to move into the medium human development category as per UNDP's 2015 
Human Development Report. We commend Zambia for implementing several reform measures 
aimed at improving its business environment and attracting foreign investment like an online system for business registration and an e-registry. We have noted that Zambia has defined its 
development agenda through its Vision 2030 and th e Sixth National Development Plan (SNDP) to 
become prosperous middle-income country by 2030.  The Plan is organized around the theme of 
"broad based wealth and job creation through citizenry participation and technological 
advancement." 
4.131.  We also note that a number of structural  challenges facing the Zambian economy. A large 
part of economic activity is supported only by copper mining and Copper continues to be by far the 
top export earner of the country, contributing ov er 70% of exports. Infrastructure gaps, limited 
access to finance and market access opportunities, in a context of limited regional integration, impede strong and sustainable economic expansion. We encourage Zambia to consolidate the macroeconomic gains to ensure sustained and inclusive economic development, to intensify efforts 
towards fiscal consolidation and accelerate the pace of diversification of the economy.  WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  4.132.  We commend Zambia's commitment to the multilateral trading system and active 
participation in the Doha round negotiations as a member of ACP group, Africa Group, G-90, LDC Group, G-33 and W-52 group, to ensure a success ful, balanced, fair and equitable outcome that 
fully address the concerns of developing countries . To conclude, we look forward to working with 
the Zambian authorities in further expanding our trade and investment ties for mutual benefit.  
BÉNIN 4.133.  La Zambie a entrepris diverses réformes dans le cadre de la mise  en œuvre des 
recommandations formulées à l'issue du dernier examen de ses politiques commerciales.  
4.134.  Ces réformes touchent : 
 le secteur agricole, qui occupe 50% de la population et génère d'excédant alimentaire 
estimé à plus de 1 277 102 millions de tonnes notamment en 2014 ; 
 L'industrie extractive, avec la nouvelle Loi n°11 de 2015 sur le développement des mines et 
minéraux; 
 la réhabilitation des infrastructures essentielles. Aussi, les projets de politique du tourisme 
de 2015 et de politique de protection des espèces sauvages de 2016 ont été élaborés, 
conformément  à la convention internationale; 
 la libéralisation de la passerelle internationale de télécommunication du pays, afin de 
promouvoir la concurrence et l'investissement étranger dans le secteur et réduire le coût des 
communications; 
 l'énergie, avec la prise de plusieurs mesures pour atténuer les effets à court terme du 
changement climatique. 
4.135.  Ces réformes économiques ont été soutenues par celles opérées dans le secteur 
commercial visant à promouvoir les échanges commerciaux. Il s'agit des lois et règlements régissant le commerce, les arrangements commerciaux multilatéraux, régionaux, et bilatéraux.  
4.136.  Ces efforts bien accueillis se sont traduits par des résultats qui témoignent de la santé 
économique de ce pays, qui a affiché, ces dix (10) dernières années, une croissance moyenne établie à 6,5%. 
4.137.  La Délégation du Bénin voudrait saisir la présente occasion pour exhorter les partenaires 
techniques et financiers à poursuivre leur assistance à la Zambie dans ses efforts de promotion du développement économique et social.  
4.138.  La Délégation du Bénin remercie le Secrétariat de l'OMC pour l'excellente préparation de la 
présente session, et pour la qualité de la documentation élaborée. 
SINGAPORE 4.139.  Singapore enjoys friendly relations with Zambia. Our bilateral trade stood at almost 
S$40 million last year and is dominated by trade in goods. Singapore imports refined copper, 
reptile skins, sapphires and emeralds from Zambia  and exports medical instruments, aircraft parts 
and rubber tyres to Zambia. We are confident that bilateral trade will continue to grow as Zambia 
becomes more integrated into the multilateral trading system.  
4.140.  We commend Zambia for committing itself to furthering trade liberalization and improving 
its Global Ease of Doing Business rankings by streamlining its business registration processes. 
4.141.  We also commend Zambia for its contributi ons to the multilateral trading system through 
its acceptance of the Protocol Amending the TR IPS Agreement and its ratification of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement. Singapore Customs work ed with the World Customs Organization to 
provide technical expertise for Zambia's Customs modernization efforts last year, particularly in its WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  efforts to develop a Single Window Environment. We thus welcome the news that Zambia is 
establishing an electronic single window as part of its trade facilitation efforts.  
4.142.  Singapore stands ready to partner with Zambia to improve and enhance the multilateral 
trading system. 
JAPAN 
4.143.  A report by the Secretariat notes that Zambia has shown a robust economic growth 
recently. Although its economy decelerated in 2015,  the average economic growth rate from 2009 
to 2015 is approximately 6.6%, which is remarkable.  
4.144.  We carefully read the report, noting that this recent deceleration in Zambia's economy has 
been due to technical difficulties in the mining sector and weaker global demand for copper. Although Zambia has depended on copper mining  for years, Japan knows Zambia is now doing 
great efforts on diversifying its economy, which can contribute to a stable economy in the future. 
Japan truly commends this attitude. Agriculture and tourism also seem to be promising industries for the country. 
Trade policy/investment policy  
4.145.  Now, let me make some specific comments  on its trade policies and investment policies. 
WTO 
4.146.   In terms of the TF Agreement, Zambia ratified the agreement last December. Japan 
positively evaluates its effort on that.  
RTA 4.147.  Other than the WTO, Zambia has made great efforts to improve its trade policies, 
especially in the area of FTAs. According to the Secretariat Report, Zambia has vigorously 
participated in several FTA negotiations. The country signed FTAs with Angola and with the DRC. Japan also carefully read the report noting that Zambia has been actively engaged in negotiations 
of FTAs with the COMESA and the EAC, as a member  of the SADC, as well as the negotiation with 
the EU as a member of the ACP group. Zambia has also made efforts on creating the CFTA. 
4.148.  Japan commends Zambia on its efforts to liberalize trade, and hopes that these RTAs will 
contribute to the multilateral trading system. 
Investment policy 4.149.  Finally, please allow me to briefly comment on its investment policy. 4.150.  During the review period, Zambia performe d relatively well in terms of foreign direct 
investment (FDI). The inflows increased almost fourfold, from nearly US$700 million to 
US$2.5 billion between 2009 and 2014.  
4.151.  This situation seems to be quite positive, but unfortunately large part of Zambia's FDI has 
g o n e  o n l y  t o  t h e  m i n i n g  s e c t o r .  I n  o r d e r  t o  a l l o w  i t s  e c o n o m y  t o  b e  m o r e  r e s i l i e n t ,  t h e  
diversification of its economy is one of the keys, which results from an improved business environment. However, Zambia has many factors which make foreign investors hesitate when 
investing in this country. The high costs of do ing business, unreliable energy, weak access to 
finance, high interest rates, all of which are key factors. 
4.152.  Japan recently learned that the Zambia's policies have been implemented without sufficient 
consultation process with the related stakeholders, and that recent interest rate hikes by private 
financial institutes have negatively impacted Zambian SMEs' financial situation. This may hinder 
economic growth at the end of the day. WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  4.153.  Japan encourages Zambia to keep improving its business environment. 
4.154.  In conclusion, I would like to express our strong wish to continue cooperation between 
Zambia and Japan. 
KENYA 
4.155.  Kenya and Zambia have long-standing relations, which have deepened over the many 
years of diplomatic and economic relation.  
4.156.  We note that Zambia's economic growth has been accelerating over the period under 
review, posting average rates of 6.6%. This was ma inly driven by the mining sector which remains 
an important pillar of its economy. 
4.157.  We also note that Zambia remains committed to the pursuing policies aimed at the 
enhancing market access at bilateral, regional and multilateral level. As Member of WTO, Zambia 
is firmly committed to the multilateral trading system. We are pleased to note that during the 
review period it pursued its efforts to liberalize and facilitate trade. Zambia ratified the WTO Trade 
Facilitation Agreement in December 2015, and its Categories A, B, and C commitments in 
January 2016.  
4.158.  Kenya welcomes Zambia's efforts to reform and improve business environment. We 
comment the initiates introduced like an online system for business registration and an e-registry 
and the Business Licensing Reforms which will, no doubt, reduce the cost of doing business. We 
would also like to comment Zambia's efforts to diversify its economy away from mining Copper and Cobalt which constitute 97% of highly mineral exports. 
4.159.  On the bilateral front, Zambia and Kenya have maintained a friend ly and cordial economic 
and trade relations over the years. This relationsh ip has been strengthened by several high level 
visits over the recent years. 
4.160.  In 1982, Kenya and Zambia established the Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation. 
This framework enables the two countries to cooperate on a wide range of areas namely 
agriculture and livestock development, public se ctor reforms, road safety and infrastructure 
development, energy and immigration among others.  
4.161.  During the review period, bilateral economic and trade cooperation continued to grow. 
According to Secretariat report, Kenya's export to  Zambia increased from 1.6% in 2008 to 8.1% in 
2014. Kenya's main export products were: tobacco, soap, margarine, and shortening, tubes and pipe fittings made of iron and/or steel, veterinary medicaments and plastic plates and sheets. 
Subsequently, Zambia's main exports to Kenya included: copper and copper products, sugar, 
maize, liquefies propane and butane, equipment fo r distributing electricity, seeds and fruit for 
extraction of vegetable oils. Copper wire forms the largest share of Zambia's export to Kenya. 
4.162.  Finally, Kenya once again welcomes the efforts by Zambia in enhancing its overall 
economic growth and development and ensuring a more open regime through multilateral, regime 
integration and bilateral initiatives. 
MALAWI 
4.163.  As everybody should know, later this year the people of Zambia will go to the polls in a 
General Election. It is, therefore, a mark of commitment and seriousness to the TPR that we have such a high-level delegation when the honourab le Minister is supposed to be campaigning. 
Elections, particularly equal and free polls, are a vital ingredient in the process of entrenching a 
culture of democracy and stability in any democratic country and significantly contribute to trade and development. We, therefore, wish the peop le of Zambia peaceful and successful general 
elections. 
4.164.  It is pleasing to note that Zambia continues to register economic growth during the period 
u n d e r  r e v i e w  w i t h  a n  a v e r a g e  g r o w t h  r a t e  o f  a  p e a k  o f  6 . 6 % .  W e  h a v e  a l s o  t a k e n  n o t e  t h a t ,  
thanks to successful implementation of the Agriculture Policy in Zambia, the agricultural sector WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  along with the mining sector, remains vibrant and is significantly contributing to the growth of the 
economy. The high performance enabled the sector to register the food surpluses in the past few 
years. The surplus Zambia achieved in 2014 was very timely for Malawi as it came at the right time when we were grappling with the double impact of the worst floods in recent history which 
affected nearly half of Malawi and drought which also hit some parts of the country. The import of 
maize from just across the border enabled us to address the food deficit at a reasonable transport cost.  
4.165.  We commend the governor of Zambia for seeing reason in increasing investment in 
agriculture. As the sector employs over 50% of th e country's labour force, it therefore serves as 
an effective tool for promoting inclusiveness in the economy and is clearly unparalleled mechanism for eradication of poverty in the country. Investment in technology through technology transfer 
can significantly raise production of the agriculture sector.  
4.166.  It is also pleasing to note that the Government of Zambia is planning to promote irrigation 
in the country. As the world continues to suffer the impact of climate change, developing countries 
continue to bear the brunt of this vice. Harsh weather conditions continue to frustrate progress in 
agriculture through erratic rains, devastatin g floods and droughts. These adverse weather 
conditions coupled with poor storage facilities can make a country swing from food sufficiency to 
deficiency within a short time. Malawi bears testimony to this as the impact of El Niño has reduced 
the country's harvest by almost 50% thus leaving a huge food deficit. Investment in irrigation is a sure way of guaranteeing food security at both ho usehold and national level. As two countries face 
similar challenges in this area, we believe exchange of information may enable both countries 
make speedy progress on this very critic al aspect of our development agendas. 
4.167.  Infrastructure is always crucial for devolvement and facilitation of trade particularly in the 
developing countries where, in most cases, it is far inadequate for the economic demands of the 
country. Progress registered in the devolvement of infrastructure is always critical improving the 
business environment of a country. The progress that the country is registering will not only serve the economic interests of Zambia but entire regions through facilitation of trade, tourism, 
management of the environment, promotion of agriculture and delivery of services.  
4.168.  It is, therefore, pleasing to note that duri ng the period under review air transport facilities 
at international airports were significantly maintained. Zambia's policy to focus on development corridors augurs well with regional mechanisms  for integration and the promotion of inclusive 
growth.  
4.169.  There is no denying that the pace of th e development in the developing countries can be 
accelerated through increase of manufactures as opposed to exports of raw commodities. Zambia's 
policy of promoting value addition will create valu e chains necessary for accelerate growth of the 
economy and reduction of poverty through creation of descent jobs.  
4.170.  We have also taken note of the contribution the Private Sector Development Program is 
making to the country by creating an enabling business climate. My delegation believes that the 
reforms which are covering business licensing, labour, trade expansion will significantly improve the quality of investment climate in the country and attract foreign direct investment and the expansion of existing business in the country.   
4.171.  In conclusion, I wish to encourage Zambia to continue pursuing economic reforms and 
registering progress towards Trade Facilitation Agreement and also remain an active player in the continental of free trade agreement being negotiated  by Africa, and the EU's Economic Partnership 
Agreements which we share the same negotiating platform under the Eastern and Southern Africa 
(ESA) configuration. The challenges on the 2030 Ag enda are many but with concerted efforts the 
task ahead of all of us, the world of poverty and generate wealth for all is not insurmountable if 
pursued with a genuine spirit of partnership. 
MOZAMBIQUE 4.172.  We align ourselves with the statements pr esented by Morocco and Benin, on behalf of the 
African Group, LDC Group. WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  4.173.  We wish to commend Zambia, a country of SADC, with which Mozambique shares a 
common border, historic, long-standing friendly and cultural ties, for this Trade Policy Review.  
4.174.  We also commend the Zambian Geneva based delegation for his valuable leadership and 
contribution in the multilateral negotiations.  
4.175.  Despite the current economic trends, still as a result of the global economic and financial 
slowdowns, we note with satisfaction that Zambia has been involved in processes of reforms implementation, which led to the implementation of the Sixth National Development Plan 
(2011-2015) and the revised Sixth National Development Plan (2013-2016) following its 
Vision 2030. We commend Zambia for the recent economic achievements. 
4.176.  We are pleased to see encouraging results from the reforms carried on, some of which are 
reflected in the domain of agriculture, mining  and energy; manufacturing and services with 
emphasis on the transport infrastructure progress – named "Link Zambia 8000" and "Pave 
Zambia 2000" projects, so to mention some. 
4.177.  We are aware of the challenges faced by Zambia in many areas of concern to 
development, including in the domain of agriculture and minerals, which tend to limit the country's 
development potential and the full participation in global markets, but we are happy to see all efforts in view to diversification of the economy. 
4.178.  The review of trade policy, an extremel y important exercise, demonstrates the country's 
commitment in maintaining itself as a strategic multilateral and bilateral partner by increasing transparency. 
4.179.  In a view of more progress, better capacity-building in spheres concerned to trade, we 
hold the view that Zambia should be assisted in multiple ways so as to maximize the existing 
comparative advantages in different domains.  
4.180.  We are confident that the country will succeed in the implementation of reforms and 
national development policies, and we encourage polices that foster the country's involvement in 
regional initiatives, and actions that are likely to actively contribute to the regional and global trading system, as well as those in the multilateral system. 
4.181.  Bilateral trade relations between Mozambique and Zambia are governed by the principles 
of SADC and other regional arrangements to which both countries are members. The two countries develop an intense border trade movement th rough the Zumbo Districts Marávia, Chifunde, 
Chiúta, Macanga and Mutarara, all in Tete. 
4.182.  The areas of cooperation between Mozambique and Zambia: both countries are mainly 
focused on finance and investment; defence and security; migration; agriculture; local Governments; mineral resources; energy; justice; health; youth and sports; gender, industry and 
trade; transport and communications; science and technology; culture; tourism, among others. 
4.183.  Most recently, in the context of the State Visit of His Excellency Edgar Chagwa Lungu, 
President of the Republic of Zambia to Mozambiq ue, a MoU in the area of agriculture was signed. 
This will govern the cooperation in the information sharing on sustainable agricultural practices; 
research in seed production area; protection and plant quarantine; agricultural mechanization; development programmes and biennial work plan s for joint operations designed by mutual 
agreement. 
4.184.  Discussions between our two countries are under way with a view to the signing the 
Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation  and Tax Evasion; Agreement for the Promotion 
and Protection of Investments; A MoU between the Chambers of Commerce of the two countries 
were signed which involve different fields, namely fisheries; youth and sports; environmental, and 
on equality of gender; participation in promotional events such as trade fairs, exhibition, trade and enterprise missions. WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  NIGERIA 
4.185.  Nigeria is happy to note that since its last Trade Policy Review in 2009, Zambia's GDP 
growth performance was relatively high during th e period under review. The 2008 global economic 
and financial crisis had very limited effects on GDP growth, as its rates increased steadily from 
7.8% in 2008 to a peak of 10.8% in 2010. This favourable growth performance was attributed to 
growing copper demand and its spill over effects on construction, transport, communications, wholesale and retail. Construction activities were also boosted by the recent infrastructure 
development stance undertaken by the authoritie s through several road construction projects. 
Furthermore, higher production in agriculture adde d to the overall output growth. The fast growing 
mobile industry also spurred the GDP growth momentum. 
4.186.  In order to overcome the challenges that the country faces, the authorities have recently 
rolled out strategic plans for its long-term development. In 2013, as an operational tool of 
Zambia's long term Vision 2030, a Revised Sixth National Development Plan (R-SNDP) was developed to cover the period 2013-2016. It identifies, inter alia , skills development, science and 
technology, and infrastructural development as the main drivers for achieving its objectives of 
rural development and job creation. International trade in goods and services is clearly considered as an optimal tool for income generation, creation of decent jobs, promotion of economic 
diversification, as well as an opportunity to overcome the constraints of limited endowments in 
capital and skills. Nigeria, therefore, welcomes the revised Sixth National Development Plan (R-SNDP) which showed that Zambia is committed to a planned socioeconomic development of the 
country as reflected by the determination of the Government to improve the economic conditions 
of its citizens. 
4.187.  Zambia has implemented several reforms aimed at improving its business environment 
and attracting foreign investment. In fact, an  online system was introduced for business 
registration and an e-registry was implemented. The registration time was reduced to less than 
24 hours in areas where one-stop shops have been  established. A Business Regulatory Agency was 
established in 2015 to review new proposals for licences, to ensure that only necessary licences 
are introduced and to increase the accountability of regulatory authorities. These efforts have 
streamlined the procedures thereby eliminating time-wasting procedures that may confront foreign investors. In this context, we welcome Zambia's ratification of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement in December 2015, and the notification of its Categories A, B, and C commitments in 
January 2016.  
4.188.  Nigeria would like to stress the importance  of the provision of technical assistance and 
capacity building to Zambia, through Enhanced  Integrated Framework and the Aid for Trade 
initiatives on sustainable basis. Therefore, we  wish to urge Development Partners and the 
International Community to assist Zambia, as a matter of priority, to achieve the objectives set out in the Vision 2030. The support from the international community is vital for Zambia in its 
quest of becoming a prosperous middle-income country by 2030. 
4.189.  Finally, the modest level of implementati on by Zambia of its WTO commitments must be 
commended, in using trade to ensure welfare gains for its people and as active Member of the WTO. We look forward to further collaboration with Zambia in the activities of the WTO and the 
African Group.   
NAMIBIA 4.190.  My delegation is here to support Zambia's TPR, as our two countries share exceptionally 
closer political, diplomatic and economic relations.  
4.191.  We have considered the reports which have  been prepared for this review and noted the 
important role which played in the Zambian economic growth over the past 7 years. In this 
connection TRP help in 2009, Zambia was able to record, though with limited resources, an 
impressive economic growth of 6.6% yearly.  
4.192.  We are happy to have noted that the Zambian economy has performed relatively well in 
attracting foreign direct investment which increased from US$700 million to US$2.5 billion from 
2009 to 2014. WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  4.193.  We highly commend the Government of Zambia for undertaking major policy drive on 
economic diversification and production of valu e added products for inclusive growth through 
employment and wealth creation. We believe that th is policy drive will improve the quality of more 
diversified locally produced goods and services hence will increase the country's participation in 
regional and international trade. 
4.194.  This review has also provided my delegation an opportunity to learn from Zambia's major 
economic reforms towards improving business environment and reducing the cost of doing 
business. We hope these reforms will serve as building blocks towards the realization of Zambia's 
Vision 2030.  
4.195.  My final remark is on Zambia's partic ipation in regional trade arrangements. Namibia 
supports such regional economic integration, particularly SADC and Tripartite Free Trade (TFTA) 
and EPA's, aimed at creating the economies of scale among small economies.  
4.196.  This review has demonstrated that Zambia is determined to move ahead as a forward-
looking open economy. We wish Zambia a successful Review. WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF  ZAMBIA AND ADDITIONAL COMMENTS 
AMBASSADOR  ENCYLA  CHISHIBA  TINA  SINJELA 
5.1.  May I take this opportunity to thank all delegates that submitted written questions which 
have since been responded to in writing. May I also thank the delegates that have commended 
Zambia for the reforms taken since the last review and the progress so far made. I further wish to 
thank them for noting the challenges that Zambia continues to face and the additional questions raised. 
5.2.  I am taking the floor to emphasize on some of our responses to the questions raised, in 
particular, those related to tariff bindings, export taxes, overlapping membership to regional economic communities, corruption, delayed visa processing, delayed enactment of the access to information bill, customs valuation, and lack of consultations on taxes, among others. 
Tariff bindings 
5.3.  With regard to tariff binding commitments (as raised by the Chair and the discussant), may I 
state that Zambia is cognizant of the fact that further steps to bind additional tariff lines by 
Member States of the WTO are guided by negotiating modalities under the Doha Round of 
negotiations, which is currently at an impasse. 
5.4.  The commitments to be taken in the context of the DDA negotiations as far as Zambia, as a 
least-developed country is concerned, are clearly laid out in the negotiating modalities. In terms of 
tariff bindings under agriculture, Zambia has bound close to 97% of its tariffs at 125% and the remaining at rates not lower than 45%. 
5.5.  With regard to non–agriculture market access, the draft modalities on non-agriculture 
products exempt LDCs from undertaking tariff re duction commitments. However, as part of their 
contribution to the DDA, LDCs are expected to substantially increase their level of tariff binding commitments. Individual LDCs shall determine the extent and level of tariff binding commitments 
in accordance with their individual development objectives. 
5.6.  This is what will guide the steps to be taken in as far as tariff binding commitments are 
concerned. 
Export taxes 
5.7.  With regard to export ta xes (as raised by the Chair and the discussant) I wish to highlight 
that Zambia is guided by the provisions of the WTO, in particular Article XI:1 of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT 1947) which states that: "No prohibitions or restrictions 
other than duties, taxes or other charges, whet her made effective through quotas, import or 
export licences or other measures, shall be instituted or maintained by any contracting party on the importation of any product of the territory of any other contracting party or on the exportation 
or sale for export of any product destined for the territory of any other contracting party". 
5.8.  Export taxes fall under allowable measures under this Article therefore. Overlapping membership to regional economic communities 
5.9.  With regard to the challenges associated with overlapping membership to regional economic 
communities and the management of seemingly contradictory commitments, in response to observations made by the Chair and the European Union, I wish to state that both SADC and COMESA are working towards convergence on a numb er of regional integration issues, including 
the area of trade. 
5.10.  You may wish to note that COMESA and SADC have partnered at the highest political level 
with the East African Community to work towards harmonization of regional programmes to 
maximize benefits from initiatives aimed at enhancing regional integration. WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  5.11.  The idea of establishing a grand Free Trade Area was mooted during the COMESA-EAC-
SADC Heads of State and Government summit held in Kampala, Uganda, in October 2008. The Heads of State and Government also adopted a programme aimed at harmonizing interventions in the area of infrastructure development and the adoption of shared industrialization strategies. 
5.12.  So far, progress has been made in infrastructure development through transport corridor 
developments which has seen countries work in collaboration to build border infrastructure, road networks, bridges and interconnecting power systems. 
5.13.  Countries are also working together in the area of industrialization with the adoption of 
industrial policies and strategies with a regional dimension under both SADC and COMESA. 
5.14.  On 10 June 2015, the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area was launched. This 
creates a framework for 26 countries to trade among themselves under common rules. So far, 
17 countries have signed the TFTA Agreement including Zambia. 
Corruption 5.15.  With regard to the observations made on  corruption by Canada, we wish to assure the 
member States that Zambia has already taken a stance of zero tolerance on corruption and will 
continue working towards the eradication of this vice. 
Information bill 
5.16.  With regard to the information bill, the Government is actively working on this issue as 
pronounced in 2011 and is involving all stakeholders in the consultative process. 
Certification and visas 5.17.  With regard to the questions raised by the delegation of India on test reports and 
certification as well as the need to review policies and procedures regarding work visas, we would 
like to request that the delegation of India submits its concerns in writing to further clarify the specific issues raised so that these issues can be dealt with adequately. 
Customs valuation 
5.18.  On customs valuation, Zambia has continued to implement the GATT Agreement on 
Customs Valuation and therefore, follows all the principles of valuation as provided in the 
Agreement. It is worth noting that the GATT Agreement on Customs valuation does not preclude 
customs administration in cases of doubt to subject a value declaration to further testing. Decision 6.1 in the Agreement on Customs valuation provides that "When a declaration has been presented and where the customs administration has reason to doubt the truth or accuracy of the 
particulars of documents produced in support of the declaration in question the customs 
administration may ask the importer to provide further explanation including documents or other evidence that the declared value represents the total amount actually paid or payable for the 
imported goods". 
Mineral royalty taxes 5.19.  With regard to mineral royalty taxes, we wo uld like to inform the member States that there 
is an established framework of consultation on all tax matters. 
Outstanding issues raised by Mauritius 5.20.  Regarding the outstanding issues raised by the delegation of Mauritius on the renegotiation 
of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement and the MoU on cooperation in the field of Tourism and 
Aquaculture, we will provide an update once we consult with the relevant institutions. 
5.21.  Regarding tourism and the untapped potential, this has been recognized by the Government 
as a priority sector. To this effect, the Government has embarked on massive improvement of 
support infrastructure. Notable among the interventions include the modernization of airports, WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  relaxation of visa requirements for a selected number of countries, promotion of private sector 
investment to increase capacity and upgrading of hotels, among others. 
5.22.  With regard to energy, Zambia is making efforts to address the power deficit by increasing 
the energy mix and is actively promoting private sector participation in power generation.  
5.23.  May I also state that Zambia welcomes the initiative by Chile to eliminate duties on export 
trade from LDCs and to thank Chile for the programmes aimed at assisting developing countries enhance skills, including their masters scholarship programmes and support in the agriculture 
sector. 
5.24.  Zambia appreciates the continued support extended by all cooperating partners and looks 
forward to continued partnership in its efforts to diversify the economy. 
5.25.  In closing, I wish to assure the member States that Zambia is committed to ensuring that 
both foreign and domestic investment is protected and that the business environment remains 
predictable and stable. I thank you. 
DISCUSSANT 
5.26.  I will really just be speaking in summary form here and just take a few minutes, because I 
think that the combination of the presentation by Zambia together with the questions from the floor, I think we have ended up with a fa irly rich and constructive discussion.  
5.27.  Consequently, I have no intention to then go over those details other than to say that I 
think in broad terms that we were able to identify  some broad themes around which we can agree.  
5.28.  And on the positive side, I think a number of things came up: the growth that we've seen in 
Zambia, the opportunities that still remain in agriculture and in other sectors; we've seen FDI 
inflows, which are very good. We've noted that they may have gone largely to minerals but that 
indeed there is a need for more in other areas. We noted the value of the trade facilitation signing and most importantly perhaps the reforms that Zambia has undertaken in policy, legislation, 
institutional and some of them administrative. And then finally, and again this is just in summary, 
we have recognized that Zambia's performance has led to an improvement in its status and its categorization. And then finally, of course, to sa y we have also seen in frastructure investments 
which are also very good for an economy.  
5.29.  So I think in summary form I sense that ther e is a range of positive things that we are able 
to identify that we all can agree that it is a good direction.  
5.30.  There are a couple of areas where we think further work may need to be done by Zambia 
and recognizing some of the difficulties, for instance we've seen the vulnerability in what comes 
whether depending on one or two commodities. We've seen the challenge that remains regarding the diversification of the economy and that there is an opportunity there. So, these are not only 
just challenges but opportunities that can be exploited. We have also seen what supply-side 
constraint can do to an economy in an LDC and I dare say that this applies to many, not only LDCs but also developing countries in broad terms. Obviously, this is something that Zambia alone will 
not be able to overcome. Being landlocked means there is a lot of support required to move out of 
there.  
5.31.  There are also macroeconomic issues to be dealt with, and I think those were raised by 
Zambia and the discussion from the floor spoke to those. And then indeed there is an area of 
tariffs which remains an issue for further discussion and I take note of what the Ambassador just 
said right now.  
5.32.  So in broad terms, I have a sense that we have done some justice to this review in both 
areas where there is some strengths and areas wher e there is need for more work. And I feel like 
we have been able to do that. 
5.33.  And then just moving towards the end, the important thing is the vision and you notice that 
Zambia has a vision in terms of where it wants to go and this precision is important. A free market WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  economy, a politically stable economy; and then we have a disposition that says we intend to do 
more. Not so much as to praise the international system but because it's good for its citizens and it's a good disposition and I think we can commend them for that. And then also to say that obviously that international support will be required for Zambia to achieve some of the thing it 
intends to achieve. 
5.34.  So finally, Madam Chair, it just remains for me to thank Zambia and also colleagues in the 
room for the comments that they raised. I think we have had a fruitful discussion. Thank you very 
much. 
TANZANIA 5.35.  I just want to congratulate Zambia for a well-presented report of the country trade policy 
review and the comments made by the discussant which have been very adequate. We believe 
that Zambia now realizes that certain areas are ready to do some improvements. I have been 
recently in Lusaka and I saw vibrant business and economic activity going on there, I saw lot of 
new investments because I used to be in SADC and go to that country often. I can guarantee you 
that Zambia is making a lot of progress although challenges always remain. 
UNITED
 STATES 
5.36.  We wanted to express our thanks to the Vice Minister and to the Ambassador for their 
remarks and also acknowledge the important contributions made by the discussant, Ambassador 
Palai. 
5.37.  We enjoy the opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by Zambia and 
we were encouraged to hear about the domestic reforms and the improvements in the business 
climate. And, in particular, we applaud Zambia's leadership role in the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement and we look forward to continued engagement with you in that area. 
5.38.  We also wanted to note in both inte rventions the really important updates on the 
developments in the regional trade agreements where regional integration is going on in Africa and 
this is something that we are also very interested in supporting and it was useful to hear more about plans and activities in those areas. 
5.39.  As noted in our statement on Tuesday, we want to, once again, thank the Zambian 
delegation for the detailed responses to our written questions and we know what a challenge that is. We appreciate the additional information and the responses provided in the Ambassador's 
remarks today. 
5.40.  We have submitted some follow-up questions in writing this morning, in particular noting 
our interest in on-going SPS notifications and safeguard investigations. We look forward to continued engagement on those issues going forward. 
5.41.  In conclusion, I just want to extend our thanks and appreciation to the delegation for all the 
hard work in preparing for this. We know how hard it is to prepare and to get all of the questions answered. We really want to commend you on a job well done. Congratulations on a successful 
Trade Policy Review. 
EUROPEAN
 UNION 
5.42.  The EU would just like to thank the dele gation of Zambia for the detailed replies to our 
advance questions as well as for the additional in formation provided today, notably on overlapping 
membership in regional organizations and improvements in the investment and business regime. 
We have taken good note of that. 
5.43.  In conclusion, we congratulate you on a successful trade policy. WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  INDIA 
5.44.  We wish to congratulate Zambia on this Trade Policy Review and we wish to say that we will 
submit queries in writing to the Mission.  WT/TPR/W/109 • Zambia 
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON 
6.1.  This fourth Trade Policy Review of Zambia has provided a good opportunity to better 
understand its trade and investment policies and practices, and the institutional framework within 
which they have been formulated and implemented since its last review in 2009. We owe this to the informative documentation prepared for the meeting, the active participation of the Zambian 
delegation as well as the constructive comments of the discussant and of all Members who had 
taken the floor. 
6.2.  In their statements, many Members congratulated Zambia on its graduation from the low 
income to the lower-middle-income category in th e World Bank analytical classification in 2014. 
This was mainly due to the buoyant global dema nd for copper, which is Zambia's top export 
product. However, Members also noted that structural weaknesses, including supply-side 
constraints, significant State intervention, and high costs of doing business still impeded full exploitation of Zambia's potential and had dampened its economic diversification efforts. Members 
raised questions about specific actions undertaken by the Zambian authorities to address these 
constraints and diversify the economy. They invited Zambia to further improve its business environment with a view to attracting investments needed for the diversification. Some Members 
indicated readiness to assist Zambia in tapping its growth potential in sectors such as agriculture 
and services.  
6.3.  Members commended Zambia for its commitment to the multilateral trading system. They 
encouraged it to fully meet the WTO notification requirements and other commitments such as those in relation to customs procedures, standards and other technical regulations, SPS measures, 
and IP protection. Some Members saw the relevance of assistance programmes, including training, 
to this endeavour. As an LDC, Zambia is eligible for the Everything-But-Arms (EBA) initiative of the EU and has duty-free and quota-free access to  the U.S. market under AGOA. Members urged 
Zambia to better utilize these preferential tr ade schemes for the benefit of its economy. 
6.4.  Outside the WTO, Zambia is a member of overlapping trade agreements including the 
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Some Members expressed concern about the apparent conflicting obligations in those agreements.  
6.5.  Regarding Zambia's trade policies, Members were pleased to note that, in the area of trade 
facilitation, Zambia had ratified the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement in December 2015, and notified its categories A, B and C commitments. They sought information about the establishment of a National Committee for implementation of th e Agreement. In addition, some Members raised 
concerns about specific trade facilitation measures, including border procedures and taxation 
issues. Commenting on the tariff regime, they en couraged Zambia to improve its tariff binding 
commitments by enlarging their coverage and redu cing the gap between bound and applied rates, 
with a view to improving the predictability of its tariff regime. Members also urged Zambia to 
assess the impact of its export taxes on the promotion of local value addition. 
6.6.  Members sought clarification on transparency in Zambia's public procurement framework, 
and some were interested in knowing whether the country is considering to become a member or an observer to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement. They were also interested in the 
country's priorities regarding, inter alia , effective protection of intellectual property rights, business 
licensing, etc. Furthermore, some Members raised questions regarding Zambia's plan to develop 
its agriculture and promote rural development.  
6.7.  Several Members expressed interest in private sector participation in Zambia's trade policy 
formulation, including tariff setting and revision, and sought information about the effectiveness of 
the newly promulgated Public-Private Partne rship Act in boosting related projects. 
6.8.  Before the end of this session, Zambia re ceived more than 100 advance written questions 
posed by Members and has already responded to most of them. This fourth Review of Zambia's 
trade policies and practices will be successfully concluded in a month's time, when Zambia replies 
to all outstanding questions. The review has sh ed light on areas requiring the Government's 
attention, and possibly further reforms to help Zambia develop its economy and liberalize its trade regime. I hope Zambia will favourably look at the results of this review in formulating its policies, 
and will benefit from the market access and assistance offered by fellow WTO Members.  
__________