NANCY SIAME, Lusaka
GOVERNMENT has called on investors to explore opportunities in Zambia’s manufacturing and tourism sector as the country seeks to diversify from the traditional mining.
Deputy Minister of Finance Christopher Mvunga said Government has started implementing what they promised.
He said this on Tuesday evening when he officiated at Standard Chartered Bank’s cocktail hosted for delegates attending the African Development Bank (AfDB) annual meetings at Mulunguishi International Conference Centre.
“We have a stable environment sustainable for investment, in the history of Zambia, we have held several elections whose transition has been peaceful and investments have remained safe and sound,” Mr Mvunga said.
Mr Mvunga said there are various investment opportunities in the country which can be explored, including the mining sector.
“We also have fairly stable investment policies in place which investors can take advantage of,” he said.
He appealed to delegates attending the meetings to find time to explore the country’s tourism industry.
“Hosting such events not only benefits the conferencing and hospitality and tourism industry, but the key role is profiling Zambia as a preferred and attractive investment destination,” Mr Mvunga said.
Speaking earlier, Standard Chartered Bank chief executive officer for Africa and Middle East Sunil Kaushal said the bank has a good customer base in Africa and intends to double its investment on the continent.
Mr Kaushal said the bank is aware of the economic challenges currently being faced in Africa but it will use them as an opportunity to invest.
“We know others will be withholding their investments during this crisis but we will take advantage of this to make our investments because we know things will improve in the next few years,” he said.
And bank board chairperson Michael Mundashi said the bank has enjoyed a good relationship with Government since inception and will continue to do so.
Mr Mundashi congratulated Government for successfully hosting the AfDB meetings.