HANGZHOU, China: Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary (Administration) Dr. Gabriel Pollen has called for collaborative efforts between foreign investors and Zambians by setting up joint venture projects in all the Countrys 116 Local Authorities so as to foster social-economic development, particularly in rural areas.
Dr Pollen implored investors to spread their investments to rural communities in Zambia, where there exist vast untapped opportunities, stressing that all Local Authorities stand ready to partner with any businesses interested to invest in solar energy, agriculture, street lighting and solid waste management.
He cited the management of solid waste in municipalities as having potential investment opportunity, particularly for power generation, and that Local Authorities were ready to collaborate with foreign investors in the sector.
“I, therefore, wish to call for more diversified collaboration by partnering with our 116 Local Authorities to set up businesses so as to help accelerate social-economic development to our rural communities,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary said this at Zhejiang University in Hangzhou City, China, today, when he delivered a keynote speech at the closing ceremony of a 10-Day training organised by the Chinese government, through the Global Development Promotion Center Network.
Dr. Pollen was among some government officials from selected Countries across the World, attending a training focused on key areas of bilateral cooperation that include; Chinas poverty reduction strategies, and Artificial Intelligence as well as comprehensive rural revitalization approaches in underdeveloped areas.
He stated that Zambia is ripe for investment due to its favorable investment climate, attractive investment incentives, ease of doing business, and a stable political environment that the Country had enjoyed since Independence.
Dr. Pollen emphasized the need for Countries to continue working together in improving the livelihoods of people across the World.
He appreciated Chinas concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind stressing that Zambia is ready to strengthen more cooperation to meet global challenges such as Climate Change so as to enhance sustainable economic prosperity.
Meanwhile, Vice President of Zhejiang University Professor Zhou Jianghong, reaffirmed his Countrys commitment in providing bilateral platforms with other Countries to enhance approaches towards accelerating rural development in underdeveloped areas.
Last year, the two Heads of State, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, and Mr. Xi Jinping, President of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC), jointly announced the elevation of the Zambia-China relations to a comprehensive and strategic partnership.
Zambia was the first Country in Southern Africa to establish diplomatic ties with China on 29th October, 1964. This year, the two Countries will celebrate 61 years of unbroken relations. The traditional friendship was forged by the two Countries founding fathers; President Kenneth Kaunda and Chairman Mao Zedong.