By 
King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Estwani says there is need to forge economic integration to lift the region out of poverty.
He said for the continent and the region to reap more economic dividends, close regional collaboration was a must.
King Mswati III said this when he officially oppened the 57th Zambia International Trade Fair ( ZITF) in Ndola on Saturday.
This year’s ZITF is being held under the theme “Stimulating Economic Development through Partnership, Trade and Investment.”
He said there was need to leverage the trade blocks like the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Southern Africa Development Community (SADC ) and now the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA ) to increase trade and investments.
“We need to trade with each other to realise the full employment for our people in the continent and the two countries (Zambia and Eswatini ),” King Mswati III said.
Speaking at the same event, President Hakainde Hichilema, said peace and security was critical in achieving social and economic development through regional development.
President Hichilema said Zambians were now being encouraged to work harder to realise the set economic milestones.
ZITF Board of Trustee Chairperson, Elizabeth Nkumbula, said the 2023 57th ZITF had attracted 1,010 exhibitors from 17 countries.
She said the trade fair had come at time when the country achieved debt restructuring, which will support economic growth.
Acting Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister, Felix Mutati, said it was only through partnerships that trade in the region could be achieved.
Mutati said the level of innovation in Zambia among youths was encouraging, adding that Zambia was scheduled to be a regional innovation hub.
He added that 17 companies from Eswatini had brought in innovative products and services.
Speaking when he arrived at the Ndola’s Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport, President Hichilema said the debt restructuring deal would be a relief to the country.
He urged those who were failing to recognise efforts by his administration to reconsider their positions.
“Those who do not want to acknowledge us should shut up, but knowing who they are, they still continue to critique,” President Hichilema said.
[18:01, 01/07/2023] Mulikelela: Headline
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