LUSAKA, March 14 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government on Thursday called for strengthened bilateral trade with Tanzania.

Kayula Siame, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary said there was need for the two countries to tackle various issues affecting the smooth implementation of trade between the two countries.

Speaking when her counterpart from Tanzania Joseph Buchweishaija paid a courtesy call on her, the Zambian government official raised a number of issues hindering trade between the two countries, according to a release from the ministry.

She expressed concern over the accessibility of information on trade between the two countries at the Nakonde One Border Post, adding that effective communication was required to trades so as to simplify trade.

She further raised concerns that the cost of doing business in Tanzania for Zambia logistic firms was too high due to transit charges levied on them and poor infrastructure and asked Tanzanian authorities to resolve the challenges in trade.

On his part, the Tanzanian government official said his government will try to tackle some of the issues raised such as ensuring that English was added on all documents issued in the Swahili language.

He however said Tanzania traders were also facing challenges when acquiring transit permits in Zambia.

The two countries further agreed to take measures to tackle smuggling which has reached alarming levels .