Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba
Foreign Affairs Minister Harry Kalaba says government has embarked on the process of formulating the Diaspora Policy Document in view the massive untapped potential of the Zambians in the Diaspora.
Mr Kalaba has told Parliament in a ministerial statement today that the Diaspora policy document is expected to be launched by the third quarter of 2015
He says policy document will clearly define the terms of engagement and collaboration between government and the Diaspora.
Mr Kalaba says a national steering committee has been established comprising key line ministries and institutions whose mandate is to spearhead the formulation of the Diaspora policy document.
He explains that the overall objective of the policy is to integrate the Zambian Diaspora in the development agenda of the country by creating an enabling environment and platform for effective participation of the Zambian Diaspora in national development.
Mr Kalaba adds that the main focus of the policy will be to harness and maximize the efforts of the Zambian Diaspora as a resource for development by increasing their participation in trade and investment opportunities, enhancing the transfer of financial resources by reducing the high cost of remitting money, facilitating the acquisition of land, protecting the rights and interest of the Diaspora and the establishment of a comprehensive information online portal to offer information on the country.