‘Zambia’s biggest asset is its people’

QUEEN Elizabeth’s representative, the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, Alistair Harrison says the friendliness of Zambians has made it easy for foreigners to explore the country’s tourism potential.

And Zambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Lieutenant-General Paul Mihova has urged British investors to explore Zambia’s booming agriculture, mining, tourism, renewable energy and infrastructure sectors.

The Marshal, who is also former British High Commissioner to Zambia, said this during a virtual event held to celebrate Zambia’s 56th Independence anniversary organized by the UK Zambian Diaspora in partnership with the Zambia High Commission.

“Celebrating this Independence with you makes me think about the years I was in Zambia with fond memories. The three years my family and I spent in Zambia were the highlight of my diplomatic career.

“Zambia is such a beautiful country, Zambia’s biggest asset is its people, the people of Zambia are such a nice people and welcoming, so friendly, and so concerned, and are great representatives of their country. The next best thing for me is celebrating this Independence with you today,” he said.

And Gen Mihova said the Zambian government cherishes the cooperation and cordial relationship that exist between

Zambia and

Kingdom.

He said the United Kingdom has continued to be one of Zambia’s biggest investors in health, governance, mining, and education sectors.

The High Commissioner said about 35,000 tourists from the United Kingdom visit Zambia each year, a move which has greatly benefited the country’s tourism sector.

He however bemoaned the negative impact COVID-19 outbreak has had in the tourism and hospitality sectors, stating that ever-since the outbreak of the coronavirus, very few tourists have been visiting Zambia.

“Recently, Honourable James Duddridge, UK Minister for Africa at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), visited Zambia during which he announced several pledges including the provision of funding to help address the covid-19 pandemic in Zambia. Such undertakings are clear testament of the good relationship between the two countries,” Gen Mihova said.

Gen Mihova said this year’s theme is a reminder to all Zambians about the need to be patriotic as they strive to see a better Zambia which is stable and developed.

“Fellow Zambians, as we celebrate this independence anniversary, we should reflect on the patriotism and sacrifices made by the freedom fighters (our fore fathers), who fought to secure our independence from the colonial masters,” he said. the

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