During the launch of the Commercial Bar Association (Combar) in Blantyre, Attorney General Kalekeni Kaphale has said Malawi is losing out on international trade due to delays in signing some crucial international agreements.

The AG’s observation follows Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) President Prince Kapondamgaga, called out the government for delaying implementations of agricultural regulations. Kapondamgaga used an example of the Control of Goods Act which was passed by Parliament last year but whose regulations are not in place yet. On the other hand, Kaphale stated that the International Convention on Sale of Goods and New Law on Recognition and Enforcement on Arbitral Judgments and Awards among pacts the country is yet to sign. “We have a number of international treaties which impact on business which as government, we may have to seriously consider ratifying,” he said.

Currently, Malawi’s trade balance with most countries remains negative with imports surpassing exports due to insatiable appetite for foreign goods and continued reliance on imported inputs for production. On the other hand, Malawi’s exports rose by 28% in the second quarter of 2019 to hit $316.6 million, attributed to a boost in sugar exports.