India Signs Trade Cooperation Pact with Zambia to Boost Cooperative Exports

India signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Zambia to strengthen trade alliances between cooperatives of both nations. The announcement was made by Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah in the Lok Sabha on 12 August 2025. The initiative is part of India’s broader strategy to expand its cooperative export network by leveraging its international missions.

Details of the India–Zambia Agreement

The MoU focuses on,

• Promotion of cooperatives between the two countries.
• Providing facilities for trade alliances between cooperative entities.
• Enhancing market access for Indian cooperative products in Zambia.
• The Cooperation Ministry will work through Indian embassies and missions abroad to supply market intelligence to exporters and connect the National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL) with potential importers.

Role of National Cooperative Exports Ltd (NCEL)

The NCEL is a dedicated export body established to channel cooperative sector products into global markets. As part of this initiative,

NCEL has also signed MoUs with,

• Sinton Vantage Trading (Senegal)
• PT Sinton Surini Nusantara (Indonesia)
• These agreements aim to diversify export destinations and promote mutually beneficial trade partnerships.

Strategic Significance

For India

• Expands export footprint for cooperative sector goods.
• Strengthens South–South trade relations.
• Supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat by boosting rural and agricultural export earnings.

For Zambia

• Provides access to Indian cooperative expertise in agriculture, processing, and value addition.
• Opens opportunities for joint ventures in cooperative industries.