Yesterday, Qatar Chamber hosted a delegation from the Zambia Development Agency, headed by Mr. Albert Hawamba, Director General of the Agency, and in the presence of Qatar Chamber Board Member Dr. Mohammed bin Johar Al-Mohammed, a number of Qatari business owners and members of the Zambian delegation.
The meeting discussed opportunities for trade and economic cooperation between the two countries, investment opportunities available in Zambia, and the facilities and incentives that Zambia provides to foreign investors.
During the meeting, Dr. Muhammad Johar said that there are close cooperative relations between Qatar and Zambia, but these relations have not reflected positively on the volume of trade exchange, as it is still below the level of expectations. He pointed out that strengthening cooperation between the business sectors in both countries would contribute In the growth of intra-regional trade and raising it to better rates.
He stressed the interest of Qatari business owners in learning about the investment opportunities available in Zambia, especially in light of Qatar’s interest in investing in Africa, which provides promising investment opportunities in many sectors, and in light of the economic diversification policies pursued by Qatar away from oil and gas.
He pointed out that the Qatar Chamber supports and encourages Qatari investors to invest in Zambia, and to establish investment projects in these and other sectors, noting that Zambia is considered a promising investment destination due to the investment opportunities it provides, especially in the sectors of infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and others.
In turn, the Director of the Zambia Development Agency, Mr. Albert Hawamba, said that his country is focusing on promoting trade and investments, noting the visit of His Excellency the President of Zambia to Qatar two years ago, which is considered the start of more constructive cooperation between the two countries.
He pointed out that Zambia is a greatly advanced country and has an interest in improving the private sector to play its role in the Zambian economy, noting that the investment climate in Zambia is at its best, especially in light of the presence of good legislation that encourages global investments, including Qatari investments.
Hawamba noted that there is an interest in removing all obstacles to Qatari investments and providing all incentives and facilities that attract Qatari investors in various sectors such as mining, agriculture, energy, industry, infrastructure, and others.
He also stressed his aspiration to strengthen cooperation with the Qatar Chamber with the aim of developing mutual investments and developing cooperation relations between the private sector in Zambia and its Qatari counterpart.
During the meeting, the Zambian expatriate reviewed the most important features of the economy in Zambia, the areas of investment, the available opportunities, and the incentives and facilities it provides to attract foreign investments.