We have defeated doomsayers Lungu

PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu says private sector response to the country’s friendly business environment is a clear defeat for doomsayers who are hell-bent on undermining investor confidence in the country.

Inaugurating the Neelkanth Sarovar Premiere in Lusaka yesterday, President Lungu said no one person had the right to single out a particular nationality and set the population against them.

We aspire to build a strong and dynamic, industrialised nation which provides opportunities for the well-being of all people, President Lungu said. The private sector response to our friendly business operating environment is clear defeat for doomsayers who [are] hell-bent on undermining investor confidence in our economy.

President Lungu said as a peaceful, land-linked country, Zambia had a well-established reputation of hospitable and friendly people, a rare trait we must all utilise to advance new investments in the hospitality industry.

He said Zambia was lucky to have in abundant peace and stability, which were cardinal in the hospitality industry.

I am delighted to inaugurate the Neelkanth Sarovar Premiere, Lusaka, an all-suite hotel, which is the first of its kind in the country, the President added.

He said it was commendable that the opening of the new hotel had widened the choice to visitors.

President Lungu described the development a milestone in the creation of quality accommodation for tourists and citizens.

The opening of this hotel is a clear example of private sector contribution towards the fulfilment of government’s tourism policy, and in achieving our vision 2030, he said.

As President, my primary job is to protect life and property and I therefore appeal to all citizens to act responsibly and avoid reckless statements that can undermine our cherished peace and stability.

President Lungu said the hotel was an investment by Tanzanian investment, which had created 200 direct jobs and supporting other supply chains.

President Lungu said Zambia had tremendous tourism potential in terms of natural and cultural heritage, which if fully exploited would contribute even more to the country’s economic growth.

It is for this reason that government reclassified tourism from a social to an economic sector, he said.

President Lungu said the government would continue to provide an enabling environment through appropriate legal and policy measures to support private sector investment.