Sat, 10 Jun 2017 09:50:18 +0000
By PRINCE CHIBAWAH
LUAPULA Province will never be a cost centre again but a major contributor to Zambia’s economy, Luapula Province minister Nickson Chilangwa has said.
Mr. Chilangwa said it was the desire of Government to increase the number of economic activities in the province which would create jobs and reduce the poverty levels.
He was speaking when he met the Indian high commissioner, Finnish, Japanese, Italian, Rwandan ambassadors to Zambia and senior officials from the embassies of Brazil and Saudi Arabia at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lusaka.
Mr. Chilangwa said the aim of the Luapula Expo and Investment Conference to be held in Mansa soon was intended to attract investment which would make Luapula the next economic hub of Zambia.
“We can no longer depend on handouts. We must work hard to have money in our pockets. When we increase on the number of economic activities in our province, more jobs will be created for our people,” Mr. Chilangwa said.
He said Luapula would be working with all foreign missions accredited to Zambia through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to market the Luapula Expo and Investment Conference.
He appealed to the diplomats to reach out to potential investors in their home countries and persuade them to invest in Luapula Province.
Mr. Chilangwa assured the diplomats of the security of any investment following a conducive environment obtaining in the region.
‘‘All matters are being addressed to ensure the security of investments, inclusion of local people and local businesses in the industrial revolution taking shape in Luapula. We are aware of the need for the local people to be ready to be equity partners in investments that will emerge in the province,’’ he said.
Mr. Chilangwa said memoranda of understanding would be signed with investors, Zambian businesses, local authorities and chieftaincies to ensure smooth economic partnerships.
He thanked Foreign Affairs minister Harry Kalaba for facilitating the meeting with the first contingent of diplomats.
He said President Edgar Lungu’s desire was to see Luapula transition from the least developed to a prosperous province.
The diplomats showed interest in the Luapula Expo and pledged to spread the word in their countries.
They hoped that major challenges faced in doing business in Zambia were being addressed as well as the provision of adaptive incentives for would-be investors.
