MATHEWS MALAZIKA Lusaka UNITED Party for National Development (UPND) secretary general Batuke Imenda says President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic diplomacy strategy is yielding positive results, citing continued investor interest and foreign direct investment as evidence of…

MATHEWS MALAZIKA

Lusaka

UNITED Party for National Development (UPND) secretary general Batuke Imenda says President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic diplomacy strategy is yielding positive results, citing continued investor interest and foreign direct investment as evidence of growing confidence in Zambia’s economy.

President Hichilema has, since assuming office in 2021, placed economic diplomacy at the centre of Government’s efforts to promote economic growth, attract investment and expand opportunities across various sectors.

The President has also consistently urged Zambia’s diplomatic missions to prioritise economic diplomacy by promoting the country as an investment destination and strengthening economic ties with other nations.

Mr Imenda said the strategy had contributed to increased foreign direct investment and was opening up new opportunities for the country.

In an interview, Mr Imenda pointed to the recent signing of six agreements between Zambia and United Arab Emirates (UAE), valued at a combined US$2.4 billion, as a significant milestone arising from Government’s economic diplomacy efforts.

“Our own survival is dependent on external investment. When investors come into the country, they come with investments and that benefits the country massively,” Mr Imenda said.

He said the investment agreements demonstrated the importance of maintaining strong international economic relationships and attracting capital into the country.

Mr Imenda further said Zambia’s economic performance had attracted positive attention internationally, arguing that the country was increasingly being recognised for its economic growth.

“You have seen that Zambia is today being described as one of the countries globally whose economy is growing,” he said, attributing the development to Government’s economic diplomacy approach.

Mr Imenda expressed optimism that continued investment and economic engagement would strengthen Zambia’s economic position over the next five years.

He said UPND would continue supporting the direction taken by President Hichilema, particularly his emphasis on economic diplomacy as a tool for attracting investment and expanding economic opportunities.

“The approach through economic diplomacy is wonderful and the party is following a similar path.

“We will follow what he is doing and where he is directing us,” Mr Imenda said. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home