By SAM PHIRI –

FINISH Ambassador to Zambia Timo Olkkonen has said his Government will continue supporting International Trade Centres (ITC) in Zambia and other Africa countries.
Mr Olkkonen said his country was, especially promoting integral trade in Zambian projects in honey, spice-products and mango products.
The project had contributed significantly to the introduction of new products and new packaging standards to meet international standards.
Mr Olkkonen said at Finland’s invitation of the Zambian Ministry of Foreign affairs, a delegation from Zambia and other two African countries had an opportunity to study value -chain in the Finish market.
He said this in Lusaka yesterday when he presented his letter of credence as the representative to the Comm on Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
COMESA Secretary General Sindiso Ngwenya received the letters of credence.
Mr Olkkonen said Finland was supporting a regional project in which Zambia was part of initiatives to enhance trade capacity through modernisation of customs together with the world customs Organisation.
“At a more local level, Finland will continue with the support to the Zambian Government and private enterprises s in Zambia and Malawi through the embassy’s local cooperation fund,” he said.
The Ambassador said COMESA through its huge regional reach, was well placed and indispensible in business of fostering business ties in the region.
The COMESA Secretary General commended Finland for being one of the European Union (EU) member states that is committed to supporting the southern region block.
Mr Ngwenya said in 2013 Finland provided 1.4 billion dollars which represented 3.5 per cent increase from 2012.
“Your Excellency, allow me to pay tribute to the Finnish initiative in February 2014, to donate 5 million Euros to the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) multi-donor trust fund to support activities in the developing countries,” he said.
Mr Ngwenya also received letters of credence to COMESA from Kenya’s High Commissioner to Zambia Sophy Kombe.
Ms Kombe assured Mr Ngwenya of her contribution to the advancement of the COMESA Agenda to fulfill the aspiration of the sub region populous.
“I wish to underscore the enormous contribution COMESA has made to the regional integration and social -economic development of the Sub -region.” she added.