President Ram Nath Kovind asks Indian diaspora in Zambia to become partners in India's growth

President Ram Nath Kovind has asked Indian Diaspora in Zambia to become the partner in India's growth and asked them to take advantage of Overseas Citizen of India, OCI programme. He was interacting with the Indian community in Lusaka, Zambia where he reached yesterday in the last leg of his three African nation tour.

President called the expatriates, the cultural ambassador of India. He said Indian investment has created jobs for the locals and Indian community and business netted into the mutual benefits of the people in Zambia.

Mr Kovind said India is the fastest growing economy in the world and one day it will be a superpower. He invited the expatriates to Rashtrapati Bhawan. President arrived at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka. He was received by President of Zambia Edgar Chagwa Lungu.

Four MOUs will be signed between the two countries which include, the establishment of Entrepreneurship Development Institute in Zambia, taxation, visa exemption on diplomatic passports and judicial cooperation. The President will also address India-Zambia business forum. Private investment in Zambia by Indian companies currently stands at over 5 Billion US dollars in sectors such as mining, infrastructure, manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.

There has been a steady increase in bilateral trade during last 10 months which stands at 1.2 billion US dollars. Mr



Kovind and his Zambian counterpart will also participate in foundation stone laying ceremony of Lusaka city roads de-congestion project which is being implemented with the Indian support.

This is the first time in three decades that a President of India is undertaking a state visit to Zambia.

President Kovind and his counterpart Edgar Chagwa Lungu will have delegation-level talks today. 

Both the leaders would witness the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) between the two countries aimed at enhancing cooperation in various sectors. 

It includes the establishment of Entrepreneurship Development Institute in Zambia, taxation, visa exemption on diplomatic passports and judicial cooperation.

Private investment in Zambia by Indian companies currently stood at over 5 Billion US Dollars in sectors such as mining, infrastructure, manufacturing and pharmaceuticals. There has been a steady increase in bilateral trade which stands at 1.2 Billion US Dollars from April 2017 to January 2018.

The President is also scheduled to address India-Zambia business forum today. Mr Kovind and his Zambian counterpart will also participate in foundation stone laying ceremony of Lusaka city roads decongestion project which will be implemented with the support of India.