THE Government will set up the inter-country border markets on the borders with the eight neighbouring countries and two inlands in Lusaka aimed at promoting intra-African trade.

This is in line with the 2012 theme of the African Union.

Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Robert Sichinga said the Government would establish the inter-country border markets at some point to promote intra-African trade as per 2012 theme of the African Union.

Mr Sichinga said the execution of this theme starts at regional economic community levels, with Zambia seeking to leverage its membership of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).

He said this during the Zambia Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) gala dinner in Lusaka at the weekend.

"This is my challenge to ZACCI and other based apex bodies, you are expected to mentor the MSMEs, including those that will operate Inter-Country Border Markets which Government will set up on some points along the entire border with our eight neighbours and two inland in Lusaka," he said.

Mr Sichinga said this year's theme for the gala diner "growth, development and wealth creation" was of great importance to all concerned stakeholders particularly the Government.

"The theme is in line with Government's aspiration for the country and this cannot be achieved without the involvement of the private sector.

"Government realises that growth, development and wealth creation can only be achieved in partnership with the private sector. We must work together in bringing about development to our country," he said.

The minister said the Government remains committed to providing a conducive environment for private sector growth by addressing the various impediments that businesses are facing.

The private sector continues to contribute to employment creation, revenue and other social sectors through corporate social responsibility programmes and by being good corporate citizens.