By Ruth Chayinda
Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane says Vietnam’s experience in agricultural development offers valuable lessons for Zambia, as government places the sector at the centre of economic growth and poverty reduction.
Dr. Musokotwane made the remarks in Vietnam, where he is leading a high-level government delegation on a benchmarking and study visit under the theme “Agricultural Transformation and Climate Smart Growth.”
The visit aims to broaden Zambia’s agricultural productivity, strengthen resilience to climate change, and modernize the sector in line with the national development agenda. He noted that the visit comes at a time when Zambia is implementing reforms to consolidate economic and social gains.
In a statement to ZNBC, Dr. Musokotwane reaffirmed government’s commitment to policy reforms, digital systems, stronger institutions, and a conducive public-private sector environment to drive transformation.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo said government has put in place measures to improve agricultural output, reduce climate vulnerability, and promote agro-processing and exports.
Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit, Kisobile Kamwambi, added that the delegation expects the engagement in Vietnam to help shape Zambia’s next phase of agricultural reforms, with a focus on irrigation expansion, climate-smart agriculture, and high-value exports.
Other members of the delegation include World Bank Country Director Nathan Belete and senior officials from the Ministries of Agriculture and Finance.
