Government says private Investments plays a positive role in stimulating the growth of food production and the agriculture sector in general.
Agriculture and Livestock Deputy Minister Luxon Kazabu says this growth can be achieved when private investments are targeted at the most critical stages of the agriculture value chain, which he said were serious challenges being experienced.
The Deputy Minister cited the Leather Industry, Hatcheries, Agro-product processing, Forestry as specific areas in which private investments are required in Zambia.
He was speaking in Germany today when he made a presentation at the ongoing 2013 International Green Week and Global Forum for Food and Agriculture in Berlin.
This is contained in a statement to ZANIS by First Secretary of Press and Public Relations at the Zambian Embassy to Germany Yvonne Shibemba.
The minister said the PF Government will continue to explore strategies that will facilitate and support private investments into the agriculture sector including the establishment of joint ventures both foreign and local.
Mr. Kazabu also said that the Zambian National Agriculture Policy does provide for the participation of both public and private institutions in the development of the agriculture sector.
The Deputy Minister said a coherent policy framework and well-targeted public investments focusing on public goods such as agricultural research, rural infrastructure and education could help enhance agriculture investment.
In concluding his presentation Mr. Kazabu extended an invitation to potential German investors to come to Zambia and invest in Livestock farming and crop farming.
Others in the delegation attending the Forum included Deputy Director of Agric-Business and Marketing Kezi Mbita Katyamba, Acting Deputy Director, Policy and Planning Michael Isimwaa and Principal Agriculture Research Officer Louis Chikopela, all under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
The Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) is a political meeting that focuses on vital issues related to the future of the global Agro-food industry.
The Forum, which is held annually in Berlin, draws participants from civil society, the scientific and business communities.
This year the forum has attracted over 80 Ministers from around the world.
ZANIS
Really? Just come back home and vaccinate all the cattle in Barotseland and Southern Province.
Ba Kazabu don’t just tell the Global Forum about the pipe dreams you have that will never be fulfilled. Explain to them the current mess you PF have made with the maize marketing and mealie meal prices
Kazabu. We know you joined a bandwagon of dull people in PF. At least you should have stolen some ideas from the UPND manifesto. They are articulate those educated guys. You go to foreign land and start bluffing. You are a let down.