Zambia seeks expanded economic ties with UAE as Hichilema hosts high-level delegation

President Hakainde Hichilema says Zambia is seeking to deepen economic cooperation with the United Arab Emirates following high-level discussions held in Lusaka. The President said Zambia hosted a delegation from the UAE led by Minister of State for Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, adding that the engagement reflected the strong bilateral relations between the two countries. In a statement issued after Tuesday’s meeting at State House, he explained that Zambia’s improving economic outlook was creating favourable conditions for increased trade and investment.

“The government was encouraging UAE businesses to explore opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he said. Hichilema noted that mining, tourism, agriculture, food processing and infrastructure all presented significant potential for both large-scale and medium-sized investments. “This could help stimulate economic growth and create employment opportunities for citizens,” he noted.

He added that Zambia aimed to establish mutually beneficial partnerships that support sustainable national development and expand business prospects. “Today, Zambia’s economy is on a positive trajectory, creating an ideal environment for increased transactions and investments from partners like the UAE,” Hichilema said. He encouraged UAE companies to explore opportunities in key sectors with a focus on both large and mid-sized ventures, stating that the government’s goal was to drive economic growth, create jobs and widen business opportunities for Zambians.

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Earlier in the day, President Hichilema held a bilateral meeting with Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), at State House. He said Zambia’s partnership with UNCTAD remained unblemished and that the government seeks to further rationalise and consolidate it to deliver clearer economic outcomes. He added that the government’s economic path was designed to create jobs, expand business opportunities and ensure reliable national revenue for the benefit of all Zambians. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

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