Minister of Transport and Logistics, Frank Tayali, says Zambia’s unique geographic centrality is a great opportunity for the country to facilitate trade and promote economic diplomacy in the region.
Mr Tayali notes that Zambia is not only centrally located but also land linked which makes it imperative for it to facilitate smooth trade and cooperation, thereby enhancing the integration of economies of countries in the region.
He states that in order to offer citizens the best economic lifestyle, Zambia is investing huge resources to promote connectivity between countries.
The Minister was speaking today at his office when new South African High Commissioner to Zambia, Saad Cachalia, and Russian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Zambia, Azim Yarakhmedoy, paid a courtesy call on him.
ZANIS reports that Mr Tayali encouraged the South African High Commissioner to share in the opportunities and challenges that lie in the coexistence between Zambia and his country.
“Zambia is committed to eliminating border vices and safeguarding foreign citizens including South Africans. It is also therefore expected that Zambia’s are safe in South Africa and elsewhere in the region as it is crucial to achieving the aspirations of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area,” he said.
The Minister commended South Africa and Tanzania for working with Zambia in border management controls to curb drug trafficking, saying Zambia is susceptible to being used as a transit country by drug traffickers due to its centrality.
Meanwhile, Mr Cachalia said the major task is to begin to develop the region by utilising the continents rich resources.
Mr Cachalia pointed out that transport has a critical role to play as the essential wheels of development in carrying the region away from poverty, deprivation and inequality.
He said countries in the region have the resources and capability to ensure prosperity for their people and the region, through working together.
In a separate meeting, Mr Tayali acknowledged receipt of a copy of an agreement that is to be signed between the Zambia Civil Aviation and the Federal Air Transport Agency of the Russian Federation, assuring that it will be attended to in the shortest possible time.
The Minister also thanked Russia for their desire to reopen flight routes between Zambia and Moscow, adding that the Ministry is keen to exploit the opportunity.
Mr Tayali urged the Russian Ambassador to encourage companies that manufacture aviation equipment to work with Zambia in improving its aviation industry.
He added that Zambia needs quality aviation equipment which can be delivered on time at the right cost.
And Mr Yarakhmedoy, said there are Russian companies willing to invest in Zambia, further disclosing that his country is currently working at removing Visa requirements for Zambia.
“Once we sign the agreement, there will be no need for Visa requirements between the two countries,” said Mr Yarakhmedoy.
