First Lady, Mutinta Hichilema, has commended the Indian government for its unwavering support to different sectors of the economy in Zambia.
Mrs Hichilema says Zambia and India have not only shared the same political, culture and social aspirations but also committed themselves to upholding democracy and good governance.
Mrs Hichilema was speaking today when she received sewing machines from the Indian High Commissioner to Zambia, Alok Ranjan Jha, in Lusaka.
The First Lady, who thanked the Indian government for the gesture, said the donation reflects the excellent friendship that exists between the two countries.
She noted that the donation also demonstrates the shared vision of empowerment and sustainable development.
“I assure you that this donation will have a positive impact on the lives of many Zambians,” she said.
Mrs Hichilema explained that the gesture will add to the already existing initiatives of empowering and supporting women and youths with skills to sustain their lives.
“We will ensure that these machines will be distributed to beneficiaries who will maximise their utility,” she said.
Mrs Hichilema further assured the Indian government of continued partnerships in the quest to improve the welfare of vulnerable people in the country.
“When countries unite to uplift the vulnerable people, the result is hope in action and dignity for our people will be renewed,” she said.
Mrs Hichilema noted that the donation is more than charity but a way of strengthening the two countries’ relations and collaboration.
And speaking earlier, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Permanent Secretary for International Relations and Cooperation, Etambuyu Gundersen, said the donation will greatly help in complementing the government’s efforts to economically empower women through skills development and innovation.
Ms Gundersen noted that Zambia and India enjoy warm bilateral relations premised on shared values such as respect for human rights and commitment to principles of democracy and good governance.
She added that the government’s desire is to continue to work towards strengthening these relations for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
“The government is grateful to the Indian government for its continued support which has contributed greatly to the social economic development of the country,” she noted.
Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner to Zambia Alok Ranjan Jha said his government will continue to support Zambia in different areas, among them offering training and empowering the vulnerable people.
Mr Ranjan Jha noted that this is because of the good partnership the two countries have continued to enjoy.
He explained that the donation aims at supporting Zambia in order for it to also have a rich human resource.
Mr Ranjan Jha added that human resource builds a strong foundation for any country to develop and alleviate poverty.
“This donation, Madam First Lady, has nothing to do with how rich my country is. It is about empowering Zambians to also have a good foundation through skills and that is why we have brought this donation,” he stated.
The Indian government has donated 500 sewing machines and 100 embroidery machines.
I certainly dont agree with this
Why didnt the Indian Gov give it diresrly to some womens groups
They probably don’t have time, and more importantly ………..
You will find this is against diplomatic etiquette and rules …………
Some may construe this as interfering in internal affairs by giving mostly UPND groups……….
FWD2041
You can reopen Mulungushi textiles with 500 machines, instead of distributing to individual voters.
500 machines is equal to 1000 women employees in Kabwe.
Dont talk nonsense there were other ways this could have been done
You would have condemned this a few years back
Tikki, you sound like Judas in the Bible who thought the perfume Martha applied on the feet of Jesus should have been sold instead so he could benefit from the sale as he had estimated a years wages for the perfume. What concern is it to you how another govt decides the mode or medium to make their donation?. such statements only come from people wjo are very selfish and critical of what others do with their own resources.
The falls under electionaring only the blind cant see that
It’s been done now so words dont matter
You think the Indian government has time to vet groups and be mindful of not being accused of taking sides ???
FWD2041
Quite right Nostradamus using the machines for training is the best use. Hundreds can be trained now and the future. Good investment. India export a lot of garments around the world you could just stick to Zambia and surrounding countries.