EU seeks strong partnerships with local businessmen

THE European Union (EU) is seeking to create a strong partnership with the local businessmen to add value to Zambia’s mineral resources and other raw materials that will help create business and employment opportunities for the local people

EU Ambassador to Zambia and COMESA Karolina Stasiak said the EU wanted to work with the local businessmen to exploit the mineral resources to the benefit of the local people and also contribute to economic growth

Ms Stasiak was speaking during a press briefing which was held yesterday at Garden Court in Kitwe ahead of today’s conference which was set to be opened by President Hakainde Hichilema under the theme growing the Copper Industry in Zambia through Green Value Chain

Ms Stasiak said the focus will be growing the Copper Industry which has the potential to grow and contribute to poverty alleviation through job and business opportunities for the local people

“As EU, we are excited to be here and our aim is to work with the local people to create a partnership that will seek to add value to Zambian mineral resources and other raw materials to create job and business opportunities for local people

“This forum is the first one and a milestone and its focus will be growing the Copper industry which has potential to grow and contribute to economic recovery and at up national development” Ms Stasiak said

Ms Stasiak said the EU has continued to strengthen its relationship with Zambia because it has continued to maintain peace, democracy and always upheld good governance and rule of law

She said President Hakainde Hichilema has continued to uphold good governance and managed to secure debt restructuring which will be able to attract more investors in the country

“As EU, our relationship, has continued to get stronger because of good governance and democracy. Apart from that, the debt restructure which President Hakainde Hichilema secured will bring investor confidence,” he said