Lungu woos Indian investors

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has prodded Indian investors to take keen interest in exploring the various sectors of the Zambian economy.

The Head of State said there were various areas which the Indian investors could invest in Zambia. President Lungu pointed out that mining, agriculture, energy, tourism, construction, information and communication technology and manufacturing were among the lucrative areas which the investors could invest in. President Lungu said this yesterday in India, during the India, Zambia Business Forum. “Zambia has now become an investment destination of choice, and I invite you all to come to Zambia and explore these investment opportunities,” he said. “I am aware that India has become one of the giants in most of these areas I have mentioned, so you are welcome to Zambia,” the President said. “At this business forum, I have come with my ministers, other senior government officials, the Zambia Development Agency, and the business sector who will provide professional and technical information necessary for you to make informed decisions to invest in Zambia,” he said. The Head of State also called on the business sector from the two countries to continue working together and to strengthen the existing trade and investment bonds. And President Lungu said Zambia was looking forward to India to help in attaining the enhancement of the value addition and entrepreneurship. He said the country was committed to learning from India in strengthening and enhancing the small and medium enterprises’ participation in the economy. He said government was committed to developing policies that responded to the needs of the industry in order to facilitate for a robust private sector-led industrialisation growth. “We know that the key drivers to attracting investment include political stability, abundance of attractive investment opportunities, appropriate legal and regulatory framework, good corporate governance, and availability of transport and communication infrastructure,” Mr Lungu said. Meanwhile, President Lungu thanked the Indian government for the financial assistance rendered to Zambia over the years.