The Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA) and The High Commission Republic of Zambia, New Delhi jointly hosted the Round Table meeting on “Nepal- Zambia Relation: The Future Ahead” at Hotel Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu, Nepal.

 

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Sunil KC, Chief Executive Director, AIDIA, stated that the major objective of the Round Table meeting was to discuss on finding opportunities for exploring bilateral trade and investment in Zambia.

 

H. E. Mrs. Judith K.K Kang’goma Kapijimpanga, The High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia to Nepal, delivered the keynote speech, by a general presentation with the geographical, economic and political aspects of the country. Thus, she shared that Zambia and Nepal present similarities as they both are high-altitude and landlocked (or “land-linked”) countries. Official relations between the two States are quite ancient as they were both members of the Non-Aligned Movement. Thus, the previous Nepalese kings have visited Zambia several times.

 

Zambia is a mineral-wealthy country and ranked eighth in world as copper producer and has 6% of the world reserve. Zambia have 20% of cobalt and emerald world reserve and its Emeralds are considered to be world’s best.

 

She further stressed that both Zambia and Nepal have Agriculture and tourism as major source of national economy. So, these sector provides an enormous opportunity to explore and invest. So both countries can exploit this avenue for betterment of bilateral trade relation. There are other opportunities of investment in both countries such as Transportation, telecommunications and Education.

 

She highlighted that Zambian economic characteristics is in favor of Foreign Investment as it has political stability and growing economy. Zambia which is also a gateway to Southern, Central and Eastern Africa, can become important market. Zambia economy is integrated and it’s a member of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).

 

While delivering the special remarks in the program, Mr. Ganesh Shah, Former Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, stressed that both countries should explore the possible avenues for betterment of enhancing bilateral trade relation between two countries. Similarly Mr. Bishnu Hari Nepal, Former ambassador of Nepal to Japan too stress on exploring possibilities of investment in different sector such as Mining, Education and Agriculture. Mr. Sunil KC, CEO of AIDIA, requested business community of Nepal to explore the opportunity in Zambia.