This file photo shows Hakainde Hichilema waves to his supporters during the inauguration ceremony at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, Zambia, on Aug. 24, 2021. (Xinhua/Martin Mbangweta)
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on Monday left for South Africa to attend this year's Intra-African Trade Fair with a call on African countries to tackle issues aimed at easing business.
LUSAKA, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on Monday left for South Africa to attend this year's Intra-African Trade Fair with a call on African countries to tackle issues aimed at easing business.
In remarks delivered before leaving, the Zambian president said he will use the occasion to attract investment for the country.
"Our mission is to make a case of Zambia as an investment destination in our role as chief marketing officer. The investment we are looking for will be that which is willing to partner with Zambians on a joint venture basis," he said.
This file photo shows Hakainde Hichilema talks with his supporters after casting a vote at a polling station in Lusaka, Zambia, Aug. 12, 2021. (Xinhua/Martin Mbangweta)
According to him, the fair provides a platform for business-to-business and government-to-government discussions, adding that his ascendancy was part of the government's economic diplomacy agenda.
The theme for this year's event focuses on the newly-launched African Continental Free Trade Area.
The Zambian president said his government has placed a high value on economic diplomacy because it appreciated the importance of international linkages.
He said it was important to attract investment if the country was to create jobs and reduce poverty.
The 2021 Intra-African Trade Fair runs from Nov. 15 to Nov. 21.
Held every two years, the event provides a platform for sharing trade, investment and market opportunities.
