Trade and Industry Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa thanked Zambia on Wednesday for its work as chair of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), ahead of South Africa taking over the role.
Speaking at a SADC ministerial meeting in Johannesburg, Mpahlwa said South Africa would focus on development and prioritise deeper regional integration.
He urged ministers to move forward together and focus on issues of transparency.
The meeting was part of preparations for the forthcoming SADC summit at which a ministerial taskforce would discuss the launching of the SADC free trade area.
Mpahlwa said it was important to look at the main resources involved in trade, such as raw materials.
SADC executive secretary Tomaz Augusto Salomáo also extended his gratitude for the commendable job done by Zambia.
”I believe we have a clear picture on what we have achieved so far,” said Salomáo. — Sapa