Maravi

Swazi PM urges integration of economic growth

Swazi PM urges integration of economic growth
By Chibaula Silwamba
Saturday August 02, 2008 [04:01]

SWAZILAND Prime Minister Absalom Themba Dlamini has said African entrepreneurs need to form business joint ventures in order to compete in the global market. And Vice-President Rupiah Banda said the relationship between Swaziland and Zambia will only be meaningful when business persons from the two countries interact more intimately.

Speaking at a dinner hosted for him at Hotel InterContinental in Lusaka on Thursday, Prime Minister Dlamini said the southern African region had a great challenge of integrating the economic development particularly in respect of trade, tourism and cultural exchanges.

"I believe there is a lot of potential in the region but we have not fully utilised the human and capital resources that we have in our respective countries.

It is true that business joint ventures between the Swaziland business community and Zambian business community need to be encouraged," Prime Minister Dlamini said. "Our entrepreneurs need to form business joint ventures in order to compete in the global market."

He said the government of King Mswati III would follow closely the revival of the Zambia-Swaziland Joint Permanent Commission of Co-operation (JPC).

"There is no doubt that the commission will stimulate trade between Swaziland and Zambia," he said.

Prime Minister Dlamini, who was in Zambia to attend the Smart Partnership Dialogue and officiate at this year's agriculture and commercial show on behalf of King Mswati III, called for the establishment of regional trade fairs that would promote economic integration in southern Africa.

"We need regional trade fairs where we can showcase what each country can offer," Prime Minister Dlamini said.

He said the region was faced with different challenges such as soaring food prices which posed a great concern and climate change that had made it difficult for farmers to produce enough food.

Prime Minister Dlamini commended Zambia for its contribution to the fight against apartheid and liberation of many other African countries.

"It's true that Swaziland has always warmly welcomed Zambians to our country and they are engaged in different trades," said Prime Minister Dlamini.
And Vice-President Banda said it would be useful to revive the Zambia-Swaziland JPC which was established in 1986 in order to put the two countries' cooperation in perspective.

"We must encourage our businessmen and women to forge partnerships and joint ventures," he said. "We are glad that presently, your economy is growing at an impressive speed.

As a fellow SADC member, we are happy for you and look forward to our continued co-operation as we integrate our economies even further."

Vice-President Banda said he was happy that there were many Zambians traveling to Swaziland for training and working there.

Labels: REGIONAL INTEGRATION, SMART PARTNERHIPS, SWAZILAND

posted by MrK @ 5:08 AM