Pretoria – President Jacob Zuma has called on business to play its role in bringing economic freedom to the country.
Addressing the South Africa-Zambia business forum in Pretoria, on Thursday, President Zuma said those who are in politics have played their role and brought political freedom.
“It is now time for business to play its role to bring economic freedom. You should not do business just for the sake of it or just because you want to have enough.
“We must do it with an understanding that we want to complete the meaning of freedom in our countries,” he said.
President Zuma on Thursday hosted Zambian President Edgar Lungu for his state visit.
The visit was aimed at deepening and strengthening the already existing good political, economic and social relations underpinned by strong historical ties dating back from the years of the struggle.
“Our years of fighting colonialism and apartheid together cannot be in vain. It must translate into a successful attainment of economic freedom and social development for our people,” President Zuma said.
He said trade between South African and Zambia stood at R29 billion in 2015.
“South Africa is keen to expand cooperation with Zambia in the mining sector, in the areas of exploration, mining, mineral processing and beneficiation,” President Zuma said.
He said it is important for both countries to beneficiate agricultural produce and move away from commodity exports so that they can diversify their respective economies and expand foreign exchange earnings.
President Zuma said a number of areas of cooperation that can yield optimal benefit for both countries included investment in quality infrastructure, rail, information and communication, as well as maritime transport.
He thanked Zambia for opening the market to South African businesses.
President Lungu said economic cooperation between South Africa and Zambia is growing.
“We are firm believers that private sectors participation is what will see us move our economies to higher levels. Our roles as government is simply to provide an enabling environment,” President Lungu said.
He said Zambia is the best destination for investments and the country is open for business.
Zambia has opportunities in agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, technology and manufacturing.
“The growing number of the unemployed in Africa amongst the youth are women and children, our success will be measured by how much we reduce unemployment amongst our people.
“Going forward my government is committed to providing stability by upholding democracy, good governance and the rule of law,” said President Lungu.
He called on South Africans to invest in business in Zambia. – SAnews.gov.za
