Lungu pledges to create ideal investment climate

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu says he will continue to create favourable investment conditions in various sectors of the economy as this will enhance development.

Mr. Lungu said this yesterday when a Chinese delegation led by special envoy Yang Jiechi paid a courtesy call on him at State House

He has also thanked China for the continued support to Zambia in various sectors, among them the Covid -19 response.

He said Government continues to look forward to the completion of various joint programs.

President Lungu expressed happiness and gratitude with the increased bilateral investment between Zambia and China.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the bilateral and multilateral agreements between the two countries.

Mr Lungu also reassured China on Zambia’s continued support for the One China policy.

And Mr. Yang commended Government for the progress made in improving the wellbeing of Zambians through eradication poverty and job creation.

He said China is opposed to any foreign interference in the internal affairs of African countries.

He said he is convinced that with President Lungu’s vision and leadership, Zambia will achieve a lot.

Meanwhile, minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Malanji has lauded China for increased bilateral trade and preferential treatment of Zambia’s agricultural products in that country.

Mr Malanji has cited the export of Zambia’s honey, groundnuts and soya beans to China.

Mr Malanji has however, complained that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decrease in trade volumes between China and Zambia.

THE police search in Shibuyunji last week was part of the countrywide searches and was not targeted at any particular individual, the police have clarified.

This follows UPND president, Hakainde Hichilema’s claims that that the search was targeted at his in-laws’ premises in Shibuyunji.

Police spokesperson, Esther Katongo said the police was mandated by law to conduct a search on any premises or person on reasonable suspicion that something necessary in the criminal justice system may be found.

Ms Katongo said it was in this light that last week the Police conducted some searches on various premises countrywide.

She said this included a household in Shibuyunji that did not target anyone.

Ms Katongo said the search was conducted by police officers from Police Service Headquarters and was not limited to Shibuyunji.

She explained that the search was also not meant to harass anyone as it has been portrayed in some sections of the media.

“Police are by law mandated to conduct a search on any premises or person on reasonable suspicion that anything which is necessary in the criminal justice system may be found.