President Hakainde Hichilema has urged the European Union (EU) to partner with Zambia in exploring investment opportunities. Addressing the EU Parliament in Brussels, Belgium this morning, President Hichilema said Zambia’s vast freshwater bodies, arable land and central location make it better placed to be at the centre of ending poverty in Africa.
And President Hichilema said his administration is working hard to revamp the economy which had been on a downward trajectory for the past few years.
He appealed to the EU for financial assistance, research and development, technology and skills that will help Small and Media Entrepreneurs- (SME’s) grow their operations.
Meanwhile, the President told the EU Parliament that his administration will pay much attention to legislative reforms and strengthen oversight institutions which are key for compliance.
He said government will also undertake significant electoral reforms as recommended by the EU observer mission in the  last year’s general elections.
And President Hichilema further reiterated government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by Zambian women and youths. He however called on the EU to look to Africa for skilled human resources among youths and women.
The President also appealed to the EU to address migration issues with Africa which would make movements easy. He further said Zambia will continue being at the centre of promoting peace and security in region as evidenced from the peaceful elections last year.
On the Russia – Ukraine War, President Hichilema expressed concern on the challenges it has presented across the globe. He said food, fuel and fertilizer crisis have turned out to be huge challenges for Zambia because of the War.
President Hichilema thanked the EU for coming to his aid when he was incarcerated for 127 days in 2017 whilst in the opposition and for standing up for Zambia when there was so much political intolerance. He said his government has since brought to an end political intolerance as citizens are now able to free walk in public places despite belonging to different political parties.
Meanwhile, President Hakainde Hichilema is today expected in Rwanda to attend the Commonwealth Heads of State General Meeting. The Global Summit which officially opens tomorrow is expected to be graced by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall.
And First Lady Mutinta Hichilema is in the Rwandan Capital Kigali. Mrs. Hichilema, who arrived last night around 22:01 hours, was received at Kigali International Airport by Rwanda State Minister for Justice, Solina Nyirahabimana, and Zambia’s Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister, Chipoka Mulenga among others.
While in Rwanda, the First Lady is expected to among other engagements, attend a meeting on ‘Violence against women and girls’ and a girls education project showcase.
She will also interact with other spouses of the Commonwealth Heads of State
This is excellent representation by the number 1 marketer for the country. This what the people of Zambia deserve
On point Mr President………
What a breath of fresh air…. from the kachasu drunk from chawama we had
My president punching from the highest table…… Zambia is back
Your President is a giant amongst African leaders.
He is articulate, highly intelligent and a super orator.
I watched the whole speech and the man had command of the room.
The audience was truly captivated and the standing ovation at the end certainly let you know that.
Zambians your President is 1 in a million and you all should appreciate him which ever party you support.
War between Russia and Ukraine should be seen as an opportunity for Africa especially Zambia…stop begging for assistance HH7.
The dictionary definition of begging is: – To ask (someone) for something in an urgent or humble manner.
The President was NOT begging, he was inviting others to do business with his firm (Zambia).
There are too many of you who send in comments and you all are not intelligent enough and write about things you do not understand.
HH understand business negotiations and the vast majority of you don’t.
My advice to most of you: “please keep quiet”.
Mzungu anikonde went all the way to the imperialist to talk rubbish about our country and get sympathy. Yet he doesn’t realise we are poor because he undervalued our resources which he himself sold to the same People he is visiting. Hh is a lost man
We told you…………..
This is a president among the best………..
He knows exactly what zambia needs, if only the tribal clique could work with him or give him support for the next 3 years,……….
then you can revert to your tribal rants…….
Let’s develop this country called zambia by pulling in one direction
Notice something? He didn’t wear his mask nor his gloves. He feels more comfortable around the whlte people. How can an African man revere people who colonised and stole your resourced to enrich themselves. Hh chlkop0
HH is 100% right Zambia’s economy was on a downward trajectory for 10yrs .PF inherited a GDP expansion of 7% they left a toxic scene with a recessionary -2%.
They won’t do it unless we embrace homosexuality as a human right. As it is they’ve withheld EU funds to Poland and Hungary, EU members because they’ve refused to teach this practice in schools as part of Sex education. The time to look West is over. Look how much of a difference looking east has made for Zambia, Africa and indeed the whole of the emerging markets in 10 years. The west has just messed up north and west Africa including the Middle East and Arabia. It’s like asking to go to bed with a king Cobra