Zambia is this May scheduled to host the first Zambia European (EU) Union business forum which will provide a platform for Zambia and EU Member states and the business communities to explore opportunities for investment and trade.
The forum slated for May 18 and 19, 2022 in Lusaka is also targeted at bringing together entrepreneurs, corporate institutions, financial institutions and innovators from both the EU and Zambia to discuss and explore other potential areas of investment with a focus on value addition.
Speaking during the launch of the forum in Lusaka yesterday, Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry (MCTI) Chipoka Mulenga said government is committed to create market-oriented economic policies that encourage sustainable economic growth through private sector development.
Mr. Mulenga explained that this is why government has put in place economic policies to guide decision making focused on foreign and domestic investments in the country as key drivers of continued development and diversification.
“The New dawn administration is strongly committed to market-oriented economic policies that encourage sustainable economic growth through private sector development, similarly, the national industry policy and trade policy which has successfully guided our economic policy decisions over the last years pays particular attention on foreign and domestics investments into Zambia key drivers of continued development and diversification, “he said.
He noted that the EU is a strategic investment and trade partner to Zambia and has significantly contributed to Zambia’s sustainable growth in all sectors, fostering reforms and facilitating investment opportunities with a focus on private sector investments.
He said this is why the launch signifies an important milestone in Zambia’s economic relations with the EU as the country has established and maintained good political and economic relations with the European Union.
Mr. Mulenga also added that the EU has made significant contributions to Zambia’s sustainable growth in all sectors of the economy.
He pointed out that the new administration has embarked on an ambitious economic and social transformation agenda aimed at turning around the economy within reasonable time with a focus on the 3Rs namely, Recover, Repair and Revive the economy.
In this regard, the Minister noted that government has recognised the need to intensify trade and investment promotion activities to attract investment across all sectors of the Zambian economy, such as Agriculture, Energy, Mining and Mineral beneficiation, and Green economy, Manufacturing, Tourism and Information Communication Technology.
Mr. Mulenga further added that Zambia has remained in a strong position to compete favourably despite the negative effects of Covid -19 on the global economy and investment.
“With the global economy grappling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, competition for global investment has become more intense than ever. But we are convinced that Zambia is in a strong position to stay competitive and continue to attract high levels of foreign direct investment,” he added.
And EU Head of Delegation Jacek Jankowski has pledged continued support to Zambia in its quest to create private sector investment and business chances that foster economic development and create employment.
Mr. Jankowski also stressed the need to promote the development of sustainable products and services in the green economy.
He explained that it is for this reason that it is expected that Zambia and European business leaders will come together and explore new opportunities for their companies to flourish, grow and provide the possibility for companies from Zambia and EU to exhibit their products and services.
“Our common goal is to generate private sector investments and business opportunities that foster economic growth and create jobs. In particular, we wish to promote the development of sustainable products and services in the green economy,” he explained.
He added that Zambia as a land linked country of the heart of Africa, is famous for natural abundance opportunities in different sectors.
He commended President Hakainde Hichilema for embarking on a course of ambitious political, economic as well as fiscal and social reforms and putting high premium on private sector green growth and innovation.
“The EU and its Member States are Zambia’s longstanding economic and trade partners and stand ready to support these endeavours. The upcoming first edition of a Zambia-EU forum will be a great opportunity to explore new business partnerships and to learn more about the EU’s financial incentives for investing in the green economy,” he said.
The forum will be held under the theme “Economic Transformation through Green Growth”
No European wants to invest here. Always remember that European will always prioritise trade with fellow Europeans. Is it not unsurprising that they opened their doors to Ukrainian refugees yet don’t do thar for African ones? Hh is a muzungu anikonde type.
@ Kaizer: Yes you are right,but you forgot to say one thing “Under PF & ECL). And now its UPND & HH so they will come and you can already see for yourself. HH is a world president my friend – just look at how these int dignatories are flocking in? Just yesterday it was Canadian high commissioner, then Saudi Arabia for oil and Now EU. Tell me why i need to go overseas anymore-if the whole world is coming to me in Zambia? Give me a good reason.
And i dont think you understnad what EU is you Nicompoop. This is the largest Member bloc of Countries in the world and the most powerful block. Ussually they jst send a delegate to a country,but for the team to come to Zambia, you dont even need them to invest, just the meeting alone will put Zambia on world map and every other EU country will start to have faith in Zambia and openly start to do business directly with Zambia by just having that meeting as it will be aired on EU TV back their. If not mistaken this could be one of a first in Africa. Let me go further for you Idioot: There is war in Russia where the EU got its Oil and Grain from so now since they cut Russia off they are looking at who can replace Russia with grain & vegetables – Dont you think they chose Zambia as one of…
Step aside as I said, you and your hh are whlte man pleasers. To you it success to have a whlte man bail you out or to trade with. In pf we prioritised trade with fellow Africans because that is the only way to bring development to Africa and keep resources here. You are a shallow illiterate who is a danger to your own existence as an African. I pity you
And by the way, if your hh is so special and doing good then why are you holed up in another man’s country? Why aren’t you here in zambia with me? You are a f00Iish tonga boy. Next time you come to zambia I will teach you manners. Don’t become an Internet thug. You wet dog
STEP ASIDE – IS BACK! – Dont waste your time and energy having a sober debate with a troll/ Impostor…it has nothing to lose and will start swearing at you because it has not the faculties to engage you but instead its an expert at insults.
Tarino fuseke! You are a nobody here.