President Rupiah Banda has called for deeper relations between Zambia and Zimbabwe in developing the economies of the two countries.
And President Banda, who arrived in Zimbabwe yesterday for a four-day state visit, is this afternoon scheduled to officially open Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo.
Speaking at a State Banquet hosted in his honour by President Mugabe at state house in Harare last night, President Banda said Zambia and Zimbabwe face the same challenges of underdevelopment characterized by high levels of poverty.
It is for this reason that the two countries need to work together in order to enhance economic growth, food security, peace and good governance.
The President said the two countries should continue at regional, continental and international fora in ensuring regional development in the sectors of infrastructure, trade and agriculture.
President Banda noted with satisfaction that under the Joint Commission of Cooperation (JPC) established over 20 years ago, Zambia and Zimbabwe have been able to implement various projects aimed enhancing economic interaction between the two sister republics.
He noted that through the JPC, Zambia and Zimbabwe are implementing the infrastructure development projects such as the One-Stop border post at Chirundu that will go a long way at reducing the cost of doing business.
The two countries are also working together in developing energy generating capacities, which is a critical input in increasing trade and investment.[quote]
“We need to officially launch the Chirundu One Stop border post as soon as possible. The two countries should continue to cooperate and fully exploit their economic potentials. In this regard it is a good thing that we increase trade and investment and participate in each others trade fairs,” Mr Banda said.
On the challenge of overlapping membership of COMESA and SADC to which both countries belong, President Banda noted with happiness that Zambia and Zimbabwe are supporting the efforts being made through the tripartite framework to coordinate the programmes of COMESA, East Africa Economic Community, EAC, and SADC regional groupings which will contribute to the realisation of the African Economic Community.
President Rupiah Banda has called for deeper relations between Zambia and Zimbabwe in developing the economies of the two countries.
And President Banda, who arrived in Zimbabwe yesterday for a four-day state visit, is this afternoon scheduled to officially open Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo.
Speaking at a State Banquet hosted in his honour by President Mugabe at state housein Harare last night, President Banda said Zambia and Zimbabwe face the same challenges of underdevelopment characterised by high levels of poverty.
It is for this reason that the two countries need to work together in order to enhance economic growth, food security, peace and good governance.
The President said the two countries should continue at regional, continental and international fora in ensuring regional development in the sectors of infrastructure, trade and agriculture.
President Banda noted with satisfaction that under the Joint Commission of Cooperation (JPC) established over 20 years ago, Zambia and Zimbabwe have been able to implement various projects aimed enhacing economic interaction between the two sister republics.
He noted that through the JPC Zambia and Zimbabwe are implementing the infrastructure development projects such as the One-Stop border post at Chirundu that will go a long way at reducing the cost of doing business.
The two countries are also working together in developing energy generating capacities, which is a critical input in increasing trade and investment.
“We need to officially launch the Chirundu One Stop border post as soon as possible. The two countries should continue to cooperate and fully exploit their economic potentials. In this regard it is a good thing that we increase trade and investment and participate in each other’s trade fairs,” Mr Banda said.
On the challenge of overlapping membership of COMESA and SADC to which both countries belong, President Banda noted with happiness that Zambia and Zimbabwe are supporting the efforts being made through the tripartite framework to coordinate the programmes of COMESA, East Africa Economic Community, EAC, and SADC regional groupings which will contribute to the realisation of the African Economic Community.
Zambia recently hosted a high level tripartite resource mobilisation conference on the North-South corridor aimed at reducing the cost of doing business by improving infrastructure and border facilities.
President Banda noted that Zambia and Zimbabwe as critical links to the Southern and Eastern Ports, should therefore closely collaborate in making the North-South Corridor a success.
He added that Zambia and Zimbabwe have similar interests in the Zambezi Water Course Commission (ZAMCOM) agreement and should lobby SADC member states to sort out contentious issues in the agreement before it comes into force.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe hailed the strong bonds that have tied Zambia and Zimbabwe together over a long time which he said can best be described in the context of Siamese twins.
He said Zimbabwe will remain grateful to the sacrifice and support Zambia rendered during the liberation struggle of her southern neighbour in spite of her limited resources.
“Today when we in Zimbabwe celebrate the lives of those heroes who paid the ultimate price for the liberation of the country, we cannot do so without remembering those on the Zambian side who lost their lives for our cause in Zimbabwe. For these sacrifices for your country support under very difficult circumstances, Zimbabweans will remain always grateful,” Mr Mugabe said.
