TRADE, INVESTMENT KEY, SAYS LUNGU

Mon, 04 Sep 2017 10:40:47 +0000

By Oscar Malipenga

TRADE and investment relations between Zambia and Swaziland are cardinal to fostering economic growth for the mutual benefit of our citizens and the SADC region, President Edgar Lungu has said.

Speaking when he officially opened the 49th Swaziland International Trade Fair in Mbabane, Swaziland, the Head of State said the Swazi Trade Fair should be viewed as a celebration which had continued to provide a platform for organisations to interact, forge business partnerships and promote trade and investment in Swaziland and the region.

He said the theme: “unlocking trade opportunities for economic growth”, was befitting and timely, adding that Zambia and Swaziland cannot attain economic development without promoting trade, as it stirs economic growth through increased commercial opportunities and investments, thereby reducing poverty among our people.

President Lungu said trade also played an important role in cementing ties between nations by bringing people together from diverse sectors in a peaceful and mutually beneficial manner to exchange innovative ideas.

“We have just come from the 37th ordinary SADC summit of heads of state and government whose main objective was to place the region’s industrialisation at the centre of the SADC development agenda.

“This agenda is aimed at deepening and broadening productive capacities and enhancing competitiveness,” President Lungu said.

Meanwhile, the Head of State congratulated his majesty King Mwati III, for his visionary leadership while at the helm of SADC as chairperson.

“I am happy to note that Swaziland international trade fair has traditionally excelled as one of the region’s leading trade fairs showcasing trade and investment opportunities that abound in the kingdom and across borders.

“This platform has over time created a perfect opportunity and window for all of us to create new business linkages, partnerships, and networks. In addition, the Swazi Trade Fair has created a firm platform for all of us to share innovative ideas and cement the old ones,” he said.

The Head of State said effort to stimulate trade, his government was committed to ensuring that Zambia and Swaziland boosted trade in line with this year’s trade fair theme.

“As we implement our industrialisation agenda through regional value chains, I am confident our trade and investment opportunities will be enhanced even more,” he said.

The Head of State said his third visit to Swaziland signified that friendship between the two countries was growing from strength to strength.

“This is good not only for Zambia and Swaziland, but the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region and the entire African continent.

“Our friendship is anchored on a rich history pioneered by our fore fathers dating back to pre-colonial days. It is in this realisation that Zambia continues to treasure the warm relations shared between our two countries,” President Lungu said.