State Visit Sees Start of New Journey for Zambia and Brazil

By Statehouse Lusaka Zambia, PRNE
Thursday, November 18, 2010

LUSAKA, Zambia, November 19, 2010 - His Excellency Mr. Rupiah Banda, President of the Republic of
Zambia, has departed Brazil following a successful three-day State visit.

His trip, arranged to enhance bilateral and trade relations
between Zambia and Brazil, has seen President Banda take positive strides to
secure investor interest in Zambia, following discussions with Brazilian
investors in transport, bio-fuels and mining.

President Banda was invited by His Excellency Mr. Luiz Inacio
Lula da Silva
, out-going President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, to
speak at the official opening of the Zambia-Brazil Business Forum in Sao
Paulo
on Wednesday.

There, he addressed the Brazilian President, government
officials, and senior business and industry representatives, calling for the
two countries to strengthen co-operation and share ideas to drive economic
growth.

President Banda said of the new Business Forum: "It is my hope
that more and more Brazilian investors will invest in Zambia and more
importantly, partner with Zambian businesses in establishing joint venture
companies. Zambia is a highly attractive investment destination."

Top Brazilian corporation Vale Mining has already pledged
US$350 million investment in Zambia to develop the Konkola North Copper Mine.
This will see the creation of 1,000 jobs in Zambia - highlighting the
business opportunities presented by the strong relationship between the two
countries.

The eighth annual World Bank Group Report, 'Doing Business
2011: Making A Difference for Entrepreneurs' recently named Zambia as one of
the world's top ten reformers for increasing the ease of doing business for
local and foreign investors

President Banda concluded his State visit with closed-door
talks with President Lula, followed by a lunch hosted by the Brazilian
President in his honour. At this, President Banda applauded Zambia and
Brazil's shared values of democracy, respect for human rights and a desire to
secure a better future for their people. He said: "Brazil is where it is
today because you and your people have worked with focus and determination.
Zambia is eager to draw lessons from your experience."

Dickson Jere, Special Assistant to the President, Press and Public Relations

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