Economic clusters to help boost tourism

Sat, 10 Feb 2018 10:57:51 +0000

By ALFRED TEMBO

MINISTER of tourism Charles Banda says his ministry is committed to support institutions interested in boosting tourism activities in the country.

Mr. Banda said his ministry’s willingness to support such institutions is on the premise that it would drive the national interest towards growing the Zambian gross domestic product (GDP).

The follows a pronouncement by President Edgar Lungu that government ministries should be operating in clusters.

Speaking in an interview, Mr. Banda explained that under the new approach, the Ministry of Tourism was in an economic cluster, alongside Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Agriculture and Home Affairs.

“We are willing to support all tourism activities in the country, be it medical, business, educational, agricultural or and any other programme that borders on tourism with the country.

“The new approach emerged following a realisation that most activities in different government ministries are bordering on tourism activities hence the need to mainstream collaborations in a cluster model,” said Mr. Banda.

He said his ministry was one of the key agencies in development at domestic, regional and at international level, hence the upgrading from a social to economic status which would unlock opportunities that enhanced the economy of Zambia.

Referring to the forthcoming Agritech Expo Zambia now in its firth edition, Mr. Banda said his office was ready to contribute to the smooth running  of the event.

The premier outdoor agricultural event is earmarked for Gart Research Centre in Chisamba outside Lusaka and runs from 12 to 14 April this year for.

“When such a prolific event hits a brick wall at any point in programming, we are very much available to help the organisers. We feel it is our duty and responsibility that we support such events succeeds,” he said.

Agritech Expo Zambia a multi-award winning event which attracts over 22 000 local and international visitors, nearly 300 local and international exhibitors and over 3 500 large scale farmers is owned by Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU). The annual event is organised by Spintelligent a Cape Town-based trade and exhibition conference organiser.