Zambia – EU business club launched

By JUDITH NAMUTOWE –

THE European Union (EU)-Zambia Business Club (EU-ZBC) has been launched to increase business opportunities between Europe and Zambia.
The EUZBC further aims at becoming a reference point of EU companies wanting to invest in Zambia.
EU ambassador to Zambia Alessandro Mariani said during the launch in Lusaka that the EU-ZBC further seeks to promote Zambia as an investment destination with a view to increasing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country and ultimately do more business.
“This initiative is not just unique to Zambia. It is one example of how the EU and member states intend to widen their economic diplomacy around the world.
“In Africa similar initiatives have been already at work in South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Benin and Ghana,” Mr Mariani said.
He said the EU-ZBC could also be seen as part of a growing network with opportunities for cross fertilisation.
Mr Mariani said the rationale for creation of the EU-ZBC was that, together the parties could do more and better to contribute towards further improving the business environment in Zambia and promote their business values and common interest.
The EU-ZBC will work with Government departments and the existing Zambian and European business organisations such as Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI), the British Chamber of Commerce and the Southern African-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry  Margaret Mwanakatwe,  urged the private sector  to take a pivotal role in growing  the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by more than 10 per cent.
Ms Mwanakatwe assured the business community that business would continue even as the country headed for general elections.