By MICHAEL MIYOBA
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says Government will continue to create and strengthen opportunities that provide an enabling environment for both sport and tourism development which has the capacity to contribute significantly to national growth.
Hichilema said Government is putting in measures that aim at unlocking the country’s potential as one of the best sporting countries and tourism destinations in the region and beyond to commercialise sport in the nation.
He said this in a speech read by Minister of Sports, Youth and Arts Elvis Nkandu during the official opening of the inaugural Zambia Sports Expo and Forum
Hichilema said the sports expo themed “Showcasing Sport’s contribution to national development, marked a milestone for Zambia in its quest to raise the standard of sport and support the growth of the tourism sector in the country.
“The expo closely resonates with the eighth national development plan and our agenda of amplifying the use of sport as a tool for development,” Hichilema said.
“As you are aware, the eighth national development plan is designed to unlock the country’s immense prospects in all sectors of the economy including sport for sustainable, holistic and inclusive national development with the aim of attaining the 2030 vision of becoming a prosperous middle-income nation,” he said.
He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to focus on development of sport infrastructure, increased cooperation with local authorities, sport associations and federations as well as community sport organisations.
Hichilema said Government will significantly invest in events such as sports expo to create platforms for sport innovation, exchange of ideas and decision-making and ultimately lead to sustainable sport development.
Hichilema hailed sponsors, partners and exhibitors who supported the hosting of the two-day event which ends today.
Meanwhile, Ecobank Zambia has announced the partnership with the Zambia Diaspora Organisation in hosting the inaugural Zambia Sports Expo and Forum by contribution K60, 000 towards the hosting of the event.
Ecobank Zambia Acting Managing Director, Misheck Mkokweza who announced the partnership said the move is strategic in positioning the Ecobank Diaspora Banking and networking.
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