EU Seeks Enhanced Zambia Business Ties

By Masauso Mkwayaya

The European Union -EU- has called for an enhanced framework to promote more collaboration between the European private sector and Zambia’s public and private sectors.

EU Commission Managing Director for Sub Saharan Africa, European External Action Service, RITA LARANJINHA, says the shift from traditional diplomacy to a strategic economic partnership calls for reviewing conditions for European private investors to increase their participation in the Zambian economy.

Speaking when she led a delegation of EU Ambassadors who paid a courtesy call on President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA at State House today, Ms. LARANJINHA said this will help boost value addition and participation of local communities.

And European Commission Directorate General for International Partnerships Adviser HENRIK HOLOLEI, HORS CLASSE said the bloc has reached a common understanding on the rehabilitation of the Zambia Railways infrastructure.

And President HICHILEMA said the changes in the global geopolitical environment provide an opportunity for Zambia and the European Union to deepen economic cooperation focused on trade and investment.

President HICHILEMA said this should be focused more on areas of critical minerals.

He also urged the bloc to prioritise investment in energy and infrastructure to support growth of other sectors.

The President also commended the EU for its interest in working with Zambia in rehabilitating the Zambia Railways.