January 27 2011
PRESS STATEMENT
FRA Exports
As at 24th January, 2011, the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) exported over 119,100 metric tonnes of maize amounting to 19.5 million US Dollars. The maize export price has steadily increased from 160 to 200 US Dollars per metric tonne. The major export country has been Zimbabwe with 84,000 metric tonnes followed by Congo with 32,500 metric tonnes, Namibia with 1,600 metric tonnes and Mozambique with 1,000 metric tonnes. The Agency has increased the number of pickup points to five from the initial two, Mwembeshi and Mungwi Depots, in order to speed up the lifting of these exports. The additional locations are Makeni, Kafue and Chisamba.
The loading of the commodity has been accelerated by improved payments to warehouse managers and subsequently to loaders.
During the months of November and December 2010, uplifting of maize exports was low because of the trucks unavailability on the Lusaka- Harare route.
However, the process of releasing stock to our clients by collateral Managers once FRA has processed export documents remains a challenge. In addition, some clients have limited knowledge on documents required for exports. The Agency has since been engaging with the clients to ensure that the processes are understood and followed.


Mwamba Siame (Mrs.)
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER