Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga has called on the European Union (EU) to provide access to easy and affordable credit financing for the Zambian youths to effectively participate in the development of the economy by setting up viable businesses.
Mr Mulenga said Zambia is ready to work with the EU to improve access to credit financial facilities and capacity building so that the country’s youthful population is able to contribute to sustainable growth of the economy.
He noted that lack of access to easy financing has kept the youths out of employment and entrepreneurship opportunities that are available to them.
Mr Mulenga said this during the Africa Investment Forum and Awards held in Paris under the theme “political perspective towards a Europe – Africa partnership”.
The Forum which was organized by Leaders League, a French based international company designed to bring the world’s markets together has attracted over 700 business executives and investors who are eager to partner with African countries for investment opportunities.
In his virtual presentation to the delegates, Mr. Mulenga said if the youths are provided with the resources and finances they will engage in meaningful activities which will help resolve the problem of unemployment levels in the country.
He said working with partners like the EU will help in laying a strong foundation of Zambia’s energetic youths for developing social economic solutions of the continent.
Mr Mulenga also seized the opportunity at the forum to woo French investment in Zambia as the country’s political environment is conducive for economic partnerships.
“Zambia has prioritized good governance, zero tolerance to corruption, protection of the private sector and economic stability”, he added
Meanwhile, the Minister expressed concern at the lack of access to the European Markets by African countries despite various signed trade facilitation agreements.
Speaking on the margins of the Forum, Zambia’s Ambassador to France Dr. Christine Kaseba has called for deeper and strengthened Africa and EU partnership on a mutual and beneficial basis.
Dr. Kaseba said Zambia is endowed with natural resources and urged the EU to empower the citizens so that they can get value for their resources.
This is contained in a statement issued to ZANIS NEWS in Lusaka by First Secretary, Press and Public Relations Zambia Embassy in Paris Naomi Mweemba.