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US Ambassador to Zambia, Mark Storella ,says there was urgent need to double trade between Zambia and the US in order for the two countries to significantly benefit economically.
And MrStorella says the focus for the US in Zimbabwe was for the country to hold free, fair and peaceful elections in the forth- coming elections set for July 31, 2013.
Speaking to journalist during a press briefing after seeing off the Former US President, George Bush, at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport yesterday, Mr Storella said the sound investment environment in various sectors in Zambia should spar more trade between the two countries.
“I think the investment opportunities in Zambia in various sectors such as energy, agriculture and tourism are so huge that we need to double trade between the two countries so that benefits can be seen in both countries,” said Mr Storella.
“And I think we need to do more to encourage American investors to come to invest in various sectors including power generation so that we can see an end to load shedding,” he added.
Mr Storella cited agriculture as one sector which, if well harnessed, would enable the country to feed the entire continent.
The ambassador, however, noted that there was also need to instil investor confidence through instruments such as predictable legal frameworks to woo investors and ensure sustainability of their businesses.
“As we think of encouraging investors, we also need to take into cognizance the need for a predictable legal framework that will help to instil confidence in investors,” Mr Storella said.
Meanwhile, MrStorella said the focus for the US in the forth-coming election in Zimbabwe was to see free, fair and peaceful polls.
He said Zambia was a perfect example of an optimistic democracy witnessing three peaceful transitions of power through free and fair elections which other countries should emulate.
And MrStorella said the US government was engage to see the successful co-hosting of the 20th session of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly between Zambia and Zimbabwe in August, this year.
He observed that the event will open a door for much bigger tourism for both countries and hailed the government for the preparation done so far, adding that the successful landing of the Boeing 747 at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula attests good preparations for the prestigious event.
Mr Storella also said the visit by Former US President, George Bush, to Livingstone as well as the visit to three African Countries by President Barrack Obama will help to cement relationship between the US and Africa.
