Masebo urges exploration of economic potential between Brazil, Zambia

Masebo urges exploration of economic potential between Brazil, Zambia
By Maluba Jere and Kabanda Chulu
Wednesday October 01, 2008 [04:00]

LOCAL government and housing minister Sylvia Masebo has called for the exploration of the existing potential between Zambia and Brazil to create various opportunities in political, social and economic spheres.

During a reception on friday to mark Brazil's national day, Masebo applauded the political, economic and social advancements made by that country.

"... I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm my government's commitment to strengthening the bonds of friendship between Zambia and Brazil," she said. "It is my fervent hope that the years of our cooperation expand as we interact more often."
Masebo expressed happiness that in an endeavor to broaden bilateral relations between the two countries, the talks recently held focused on strengthening bilateral economic relations, including proposals to enhance trade and investment links and cooperation in the energy sector.

She said Zambia with other African countries would be holding a summit in November this year and that it would want to explore the unique platform to articulate various important issues.

"Zambia will want to explore this unique platform to articulate on issues of importance to our relations to include increased cooperation in science and technology and in agriculture and agribusiness, water resources, environment and energy with Brazil and other countries of the South," Masebo said.

She also said it was Zambia's desire to take full advantage of the Africa-South America initiative to foster economic cooperation between the two countries and open new socioeconomic frontiers especially in the area of housing construction to cater for the less privileged in society.

Masebo further expressed concern that the HIV/AIDS pandemic had continued to pose a major threat to people's existence adding that it was a hindrance to social and economic development.

She also called for concerted efforts in the fight against the pandemic.
"The negative effects of this pandemic require our concerted effort and sustained intervention," Masebo said. "There is need for Zambia and Brazil to cooperate and intensify efforts and measures aimed at the prevention and management of the disease to foster development in our two countries."

And Brazilian Ambassador to Zambia Josal Pellegrino paid tribute to Dr Kenneth Kaunda for having hosted many African freedom fighters under his leadership.
"I would like to pay a very special tribute in this moment, bearing also in mind the auspicious historic moment this country is living now as the result of late president Levy Patrick Mwanawasa 's legacy and its promising future in view of the peaceful and transparent election of its new head of state next month," said Ambassador Pellegrino.