Harare, (New Ziana)-The 34th meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Committee of Ministers of Trade (CMT) Senior Officials opened on Monday at the new Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, about 26 kilometres northwest of the capital, amid a strong call for unity, urgency, and strategic foresight in deepening regional integration.
The meeting, serving as a precursor to the official Ministerial session set for 5 June, brings together senior trade officials from across the SADC region, policy experts, and representatives of the SADC secretariat.
Opening the session, Foreign Affairs and International Trade permanent secretary Albert Chimbindi described the gathering as a “critical juncture” in efforts to transform the region into a more economically resilient, inclusive, and industrially robust bloc.
”It is my singular honour and privilege to welcome you all. Your presence here is a clear testament to our shared commitment to forging a prosperous SADC region,” he said.
Chimbindi said the meeting was taking place against a backdrop of global economic upheaval marked by rising protectionism, shifting trade alliances, and disrupted supply chains.
He said in this volatile environment, adaptation was no longer optional but imperative.
”Feeling pity for ourselves will not help our cause, it will likely worsen it,” he said.
Despite a prolonged hiatus since the last CMT meeting in July 2023, Chimbindi said member states have made “commendable progress” in implementing the SADC Free Trade Area and associated programs.
He however, he acknowledged that several decisions remain outstanding due to the disruption in formal engagements and called for renewed urgency in addressing pending matters.
Chimbindi implored member states to redouble their efforts toward full and timely implementation, saying only through coordinated action can they deliver on their shared aspirations.
”Trade is central to our development, we should never again allow ourselves to fail to meet,” he said.
A major focus of the ,discussions is on trade facilitation measures, including simplifying procedures, harmonizing standards, and investing in both physical and digital infrastructure.
These, Chimbindi stressed, are vital levers in eliminating barriers to intra-regional trade and unlocking industrial development.
”There is a growing convergence of views in our region on the need to build resilience and deepen trade. But convergence alone is not enough, it must be matched by action. Our people expect nothing less,” he said.
Chimbindi also commended the Government of Zimbabwe and the SADC Secretariat for their diligent preparations and expressed hope that the high quality facilities and hospitality would inspire productive deliberations.
As the delegates dive into detailed discussions over the coming days, the tone set at the opening underscores a regional bloc determined to transition from vision to action,, from rhetoric to results.
Chimbindi called for unity and perseverance, reminding the delegates that “the destinies of their countries and peoples are intractably linked and they can only fail or succeed together.
The 34th CMT meeting is expected to culminate in key resolutions that will guide the region’s trade and industrial development agenda for the coming year and beyond.
New Ziana
