•PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu (right) introduces Agriculture and Commerce Ministers, Given Lubinda (third from left) and Margaret Mwanakatwe (fourth from left) to Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi at the Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola yesterday. Picture by SALIM HENRY/STATE HOUSE

By MILDRED KATONGO and RABECCA CHIPANTA –
MOZAMBICAN President Filipe Nyusi has said that Zambia and Mozambique should be agents of productivity and promoters of prosperity owing to the human and natural resources the two countries have.
Mr Nyusi said Zambia and Mozambique were endowed with human and natural resources enough to be exploited and barricade the two countries in terms of productivity and reduce poverty levels.
The Mozambican leader was speaking in Ndola yesterday during the official opening of the 52nd Zambia International Trade Fair (ZITF).
Mr Nyusi said as active members of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the two countries needed to develop complete actions and foster the integration that existed and be agents of production.
He said the two countries needed to move away from mining and optimise their resources by focussing on collaborating on common programmes in areas of infrastructure, energy, agriculture, tourism, scientific research and education.
“Everything is dependent on us. Surely, we cannot change the past, but we have the possibility and the ability to share the future with the strength of our dreams. Zambia and Mozambique are endowed with human and natural resources which are enough to be exploited so as to barricade the two countries. Our countries should be the agents of production and productivity and promoters of prosperity. Therefore, our wealth should first of all benefit our own people,” he said.
Mr Nyusi said the two governments had the ability to prove that the resources the two countries had were not a curse, but a blessing and could help eradicate poverty among the local people.
He said the continued collaboration between the two countries was a clear indication that they were available to help the local people.
Mr Nyusi cited the Nacala development projects and the two countries’ intention to construct a thermal station to be producing 1,200 megawatts (MW) of power for both Zambia and Mozambique as the common projects aimed at helping and empowering the people.
He said the recent steps that had been taken were significant and that they proved that joint projects were adding value to the country’s economy.
“The common project that we realise to take on next year is the construction of the thermal power station of more than 1,200 MW. It is a hope for both countries. The Nacala project, which is providing power to Mozambique and Zambia is a clear example, if the interventions are being made together,” Mr Nyusi said.
He said the collaboration with the Zambian Government dated from way back when Zambia offered support to help Mozambique gain independence.
Mr Nyusi said with this long standing friendship with Zambia, Mozambique was readily available to be incorporated in the many projects aimed at helping the people of the two countries.
He also said that being the SADC chairperson for the political organ, the region was looking forward to the exercise of democracy, where the Zambian people would vote for a leader of their choice on August 11.
Mr Nyusi said the success of democracy in Zambia had always been a victory for the region and the African continent at large.
He wished the Zambian people success in the forthcoming general elections.
Mr Nyusi said this was the time when the people chose their leader who would represent them, and also leaders who would represent the people that put them in office.
President Edgar Lungu said in his welcoming remarks that the two presidents had been interacting for so many years and that he saw it fit to invite him and officially open the ZITF.
President Lungu said he observed with keen interest the socio-economic development process, he fostered in Mozambique and that it was in line with President Nyusi’s distinguished service that it was befitting for him to officiate.
“Some of you may not be aware that President Nyusi previously served as minister of Defence in Mozambique from 2008 to 2014. This was during the time I served as Defence minister, so we interacted on a number of issues and I learnt a lot from him. He is one of  the great sons of Africa, and a statesman,” he said.
ZITF acting chairperson Jane Kabwela said the organisation was impressed with the continued support from the Government and for creating an enabling environment for the business people to operate.
Ms Kabwela said this year’s ZITF had attracted exhibitors from 16 countries and that this was an indication that the Government had in place measures that worked well.