Lack of access to EU markets worries government —Minister Mulenga

Commerce,Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga has expressed concern on the lack of access to the European markets by African countries including Zambia.

Mulenga said this was despite the various trade facilitation agreement signed between the European Union (EU) and African nations, which he said must be addressed.

He also called on the EU to help with affordable credit financing for the Zambian youths to effectively participate in the development of the economy.

Mulenga said this would assist the youths in the country setup viable businesses that would contribute to sustainable development.

He said this during the Africa Investment Forum and Awards held in Paris under the theme: political perspective towards a Europe – Africa partnership.

The Forum was organised by Leaders League, a French based international company designed to bring the world’s markets together .

attracted over 700 business executives and investors who are eager to partner with African countries for investment opportunities.

This was issued in a statement in Lusaka on Wednesday by Naomi Ng’andu Mweemba First Secretary Press and Public Relations Zambian Embassy.

Mulenga said Zambia was ready to work with the EU to improve access to credit and capacity building so that the country’s youthful population was able to contribute to sustainable growth of the economy.

He noted that lack of access to easy financing had kept the youths out of employment and entrepreneurship opportunities that are available to them.

In a virtual presentation to the delegates, Mulenga said if the youths are provided with the resources and finances they would engage in meaningful activities which would help resolve the problem of unemployment levels in the country.

He said working with partners like the EU would help in laying a strong foundation of Zambia’s energetic youths for developing social economic solutions of the continent.

Mulenga also seized the opportunity at the forum to woo French investment in Zambia as the country’s political environment was conducive for economic partnerships.

“Zambia has prioritized good governance,zero tolerance to corruption, protection of the private sector and economic stability”, he said.

Speaking at the same Forum, Zambia’s Ambassador to France Christine Kaseba Sata called for deeper and strengthened Africa and EU partnership on a mutual and beneficial basis.

Kaseba said Zambia was endowed with natural resources and urged the EU to empower the citizens so that they can get value for their resources.

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