By Ruth Chayinda
President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has asked the United Arab Emirates to boost its investment in Zambia, moving beyond just the mining industry.
President HICHILEMA mentioned that Zambia has many profitable areas that could benefit from joint investments, including energy, health, and tourism, among others.
He believes Zambia is ready for more investments and trade, which should happen through economic partnerships with the UAE.
President HICHILEMA stated that the Government will keep working to remove any obstacles and red tape that are making it hard for transactions between Zambia and the UAE to happen.
He shared this information at State House today when the UAE Minister of State, SHAKHBOOT BIN NAHYAN AL NAHYAN, visited him for a courtesy meeting.
Mr. NAHYAN expressed that the UAE is eager to grow its relationship with Zambia, which he sees as beneficial for both countries.
Mr. AL NAHYAN noted that trade between Zambia and the UAE has surged by 300 percent from 2019 to 2024, thanks to their long-standing relationship.
Additionally, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister MULAMBO HAIMBE mentioned that the Zambian Government is working on the necessary plans to keep strengthening its ties with the UAE.
In the meantime, Mines Minister PAUL KABUSWE and Commerce and Trade Minister CHIPOKA MULENGA urged for more investments in various economic sectors in the country, including mining and agriculture, among others.
