Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Republican President Edgar Lungu has called on SADC member countries to accelerate their integration efforts so as to accrue the expected benefits from collective efforts.
Delivering his maiden speech to the 35th ordinary summit of the SADC head of state and government in Gaborone, Botswana this morning, President Lungu says SADC countries, if taken individually, do not provide attractive markets and destinations for investments.
President Lungu says it is for this reason that Zambia supports the initiatives aimed at broadening regional markets under the tripartite and continental free trade areas.
He notes that the regional body has made tremendous strides in several areas including trade, infrastructure development, peace and security, health, education and food security.
He cites other commendable regional programmes being implemented as the construction of the Kazungula Bridge over the Zambezi river, one stop border posts, the UNIVISA pilot project and the trans-frontier conservation areas.
President Lungu says going forward, there is need to build on these gains to accelerate economic growth and sustainable development for the mutual benefit of countries in the region and the people.
He notes that much more can be achieved if energies are expended in the implementation of key SADC initiatives, such as front-loading industrialization and market integration; the regional infrastructure development master plan and its energy projects; Dar es Salaam declaration on food security, and the regional poverty reduction framework.
The Heads of State has further called for the need to put the region on a firm path of accelerating economic growth, so as to meet the aspirations of the people.
He adds that it is important to create a conducive business environment that promotes sustainable development and conditions in which the private sector and other economic players can thrive.
President Lungu has also noted the need to promote pro-industrialization policies, foster small and medium enterprises development, increase intra-regional trade, invest in power generation and adapt to the effects of climate change.