Growth-oriented private sector is key - Anttinen

Growth-oriented private sector is key - Anttinen
By Kombe Chimpinde
Fri 09 Dec. 2011, 12:30 CAT

A vibrant and growth-oriented private sector is key to the success of any country, says Finnish Ambassador to Zambia Pertti Anttinen.

During the commemoration of the 94th Finland National Day in Lusaka graced by first Republican president Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Ambassador Anttinen said the growth of the private sector was particularly cardinal for Zambia as the country was faced with a paramount challenge of creating new jobs for the growing population of young job-seekers.

"Economic growth is a vital tool to fight poverty particularly, when it benefits the far and wider society, in an environmentally sound way," Ambassador Anttinen said.

He also said he believed that Finnish companies could play a useful and increasing role in Zambia in transferring green technologies and other Hi-tech know-how to Zambia.

"I also wish to emphasise that the Finnish as well as the whole European Union (EU) markets are open for the Zambian exports, duty and quarter-free," Ambassador Anttinen said.

He added that Finland welcomed the PF government's pro-poor approach, commitment to enhanced governance, fight against corruption, the desire to ensure social justice and human rights as a cornerstone to social and economic development.

Ambassador Anttinen said Finland looked forward to working closely with the new government for the benefit of the Zambian people.

And information and tourism deputy minister Forie Tembo said economic and social relations between Zambia and Finland had continued to grow over the years.

Tembo said the PF government was looking forward to more Finnish-based investments into Zambia that would mutually benefit the two states.