Introduction to Trade Issues

The economy of Zambia is burdened by considerable foreign debt. This debt, the result of regular balance of payments problems and the measures that have been introduced to deal with it have taken their toll on the lives of many of the people of Zambia. In a world where trade liberalisation is increasingly becoming more prevalent the economy of Zambia is being exposed to the full blast of international competitiveness and the uncertainties of global markets. The following aspects of Zambia's trade position will be examined.

Destination 1 - The Freight Yards of Lusaka's Railway Station

• An Introduction to International Trade
• The Importance of Zambia's Railway System
• Zambia's Trading Partners
• Zambia's Exports and Imports
• Zambia's Balance of Payments Situation
• Zambia's Trade Policy

Destination 2 - The Headquarters of COMESA

• COMESA: a case study of a trading bloc
• The World Trade Organisation
• Uruguay Round
• Lome Convention
• Protectionist Policies of Zambia

Destination 3 - The Central Bank of Zambia

• The Extent of Zambia's Debt
• Is Zambia's Debt a Problem
• The Workings of the IMF
• The Structural Adjustment Policies of the IMF
• Debt Relief
• The Debt Boomerang
• Origins of Commercial Debt