President Peter Mutharika who is in Zambia for official visit has said that both Malawi and Zambia are likely to benefit from the Zambia’s 89thAgricultural and commercial show.
Malawi President Mutharika speaking during the fair launch
Mutharika at agricultiure fair in Lusaka
Speaking at Lusaka show grounds where he officially opened this year’s show under the theme “Innovation Beyond the Golden Jubilee”, Mutharika said , the Agricultural and Commercial show is an important event which attracted so many exhibitors, and visitors, from within the region, and beyond creating a platform which is favourable for trade.
“For me, this event, has provided a platform for the continued growth of the bilateral relations between Malawi and Zambia. This is a relationship we have enjoyed for over 50 years, in many areas of cooperation, such as trade, cross-border trade, development, investment and culture, of our two countries,” said Mutharika.
He outlined that Malawi and Zambia, have a common denominator which is being landlocked.
However , Mutharika stressed that this status should not be seen as a hindrance but a benefit that if nurtured, with the development of interconnected infrastructure, will bear plentiful fruit for both nations, as well as the region.
“ Malawi partnered with [Zambia] to promote the development of the Shire-Zambezi Water Way Project, which when executed, will provide access to our landlocked countries, to the Indian Ocean’s Port of Chinde, in Mozambique. As I speak, the feasibility study has just been successfully completed and the future looks bright,” said Mutharika
In order to add value to products ,Mutharika hinted that time is up to come up with new technologies, particularly in the agriculture sector that will enable farmers to increase production, while protecting the environment at the same time.
“Let me say that trade relations between Malawi and Zambia have been enhanced, and it is my plea that this will continue to benefit from our mutual understanding and objectives. I, therefore, urge our two countries, to continue working towards removing any bottlenecks that derail the enhancement of trade between our two countries,”he added.
Mutharika also took this opportunity to congratulate President Edgar Lungu for appointing a female Vice President of the Republic of Zambia as well as encouraged the companies which performed well and well awarded to Keep up with the good work of coming up with new innovations.
During the morning hours, President Mutharika toured the grounds where he took part in inspecting several exhibitions which were prepared as part of the show.