President Lungu promises law  and order to attract investors

Thu, 27 Apr 2017 11:19:40 +0000

By ANNIE ZULU & OSCAR MALIPENGA

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu says he will do whatever it takes to maintain law and order in Zambia to also maintain investor confidence.

The head of state said he would maintain law and order in Zambia regardless of the criticism against him, because investors put their money where there was political and economic stability.

The President was speaking in Lusaka yesterday when he commissioned NRB pharma Zambia, a medicines producing company.

“I will make sure that law and order is maintained, because here in Zambia, economic and political stability forms the bedrock of our progressive engagement with business,” he said.

And President Lungu said the opening of the pharmaceutical was a significant milestone in line with government’s vision.

He said local manufacturing of medicine would make a difference in the lives of not only Zambians but also neighbouring countries and the continent at large.

The Head of State noted that people would be able to access quality, safe and efficacious medicines manufactured locally, thus reducing over-dependence on imported medicines.

President Lungu also said the pharmaceutical would create job opportunities and enable the local people to gain expertise.

“Ultra-Modern facility, such as this one also provide an opportunity for students to have an experience of modern manufacturing facilities and practices. It will also promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all,” President Lungu said.

He further encouraged other investors to emulate NRB Pharma and take advantage of Zambia’s unique geographical position, peace and stability, and the attractive open market environment to set up businesses and create wealth for themselves and Zambians.

“Zambia is surrounded by eight countries, which are ready markets for our locally manufactured products. This is a rare opportunity for businesses especially those that will enjoy the incentives available in our Economic Zones,” he said.

And NRB Chairperson Narayan Rajaram Bandekar said the US$12 million investment state of the art factory would contribute in the conservation of medicines in the country.

Earlier at State  House President Lungu told a diplomat to tell the rest of the world that Zambia was at peace contrary to some media reports.

President Lungu said this yesterday when he received letters of credence from Mr. Radeck Rubeš, ambassador-designate of the Czech Republic to Zambia at State House.

This follows the reopening of an embassy in Zambia by the government of the Czech Republic after being closed for 23 years.

President Lungu recommended to Mr. Rubeš to take time off his busy schedule to sample Zambia’s tourism in various parts of the country to enable him acquire a fair understanding of Zambia’s socio-economic and cultural landscape and tell the world that Zambia was at peace.

“Zambia looks forward to closely collaborate with the Czech Republic so as to learn from your country’s admirable expertise in priority areas such as agriculture, energy, health, education and mining,” said President Lungu.

He said the Czech Republic not only guaranteed its country’s self-sufficiency in basic foods, but also allowed the export of substantial commodities such as milk, livestock, grain, sugar and malt abroad.

He said the reopening of an embassy was in the best interest of the Zambian government to consolidate relations with cooperating partners, such as the Czech Republic whose economic achievement was a great inspiration to the Zambian government.