By Gift Chiponde

Lilongwe, October 10, Mana: Minister of Trade Sosten Gwengwe has stressed the need for a more robust partnership between the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Malawi government in addressing food security.

Speaking during a bilateral meeting in Geneva with the Executive Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC), Pamela Coke-Hamilton, Gwengwe highlighted the potential of technology in combating food insecurity and called for enhanced collaboration and technical expertise to advance the food security agenda.

Gwengwe expressed his gratitude for the ITC's SheTrades programme for empowering female entrepreneurs in the country.

In her remarks, ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton commended Malawi for its significant strides in promoting gender equality, by involving women in the Trade Policy Review (TPR).

She said the ITC will collaborate with Malawi Government to further implement the SheTrades initiative through the World Trade Organization (WTO), making it an essential component of Malawi's TPR strategy.

She acknowledged government for advocating for women in public procurement and stressed the importance of establishing sustainable mechanisms to enhance women's access to financial resources.

In addressing food security issues, Pamela Coke-Hamilton highlighted ITC's active participation in programmes focused on diversification and climate-smart agriculture, citing the Alliance for Action Program as a pivotal initiative.

She underscored the significance of value addition in Malawi's agricultural sector to ensure sustainable growth.