CHOMBA MUSIKA
Lusaka
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has called on Switzerland to increase investment and trade with Zambia beyond traditional minerals such as copper, urging stronger economic partnerships to accelerate growth, create jobs and promote local value addition.
Mr Hichilema said Zambia was keen to work with Swiss businesses to attract investment, facilitate technology transfer and expand opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
He said stronger bilateral economic relations will complement the implementation of the Grow Zambia Agenda, which seeks to accelerate economic growth, create employment and increase national wealth.
Speaking when Switzerland’s State Secretary and Director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, Helene Artieda, led a Swiss business delegation on a courtesy call at State House yesterday, Mr Hichilema welcomed the growing trade relations between the two countries.
“Trade has evolved over the years, we are around US$20 billion plus, you also have investors that have been here for some time and facilitating them to invest in our country,” he said.
The President expressed gratitude to Switzerland for supporting Zambia’s debt restructuring process, saying the country has moved from economic recovery and fiscal consolidation towards prioritising accelerated growth.
“We are grateful to Switzerland for the support towards debt restructuring,” he said.
Mr Hichilema said his administration’s focus in the second term is to drive economic growth through investment and trade, while encouraging local processing of natural resources to maximise benefits for the country.
He called for a comprehensive economic partnership framework between Zambia and Switzerland to create a favourable investment environment and address challenges affecting trade and business cooperation.
Mr Hichilema said Zambia is interested in partnerships that will unlock the value of its natural resources, promote technology transfer and generate employment opportunities.
He also urged Swiss businesses to use their international networks to help Zambia expand its economy and diversify exports.
And Ms Artieda said the Swiss government supports the Grow Zambia Agenda and is ready to encourage businesses from her country to participate in achieving Zambia’s economic ambitions.
She was speaking on behalf of the Swiss delegation, which expressed interest in exploring opportunities for investment and cooperation in emerging sectors.
Ms Artieda said she supports Zambia’s 10-10-5-3-3-1-1-1 growth targets, although she noted that understanding the framework requires some effort. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
