India, Zambia must aim for collective value addition ties: Kaunda

Lusaka (Zambia), Jan.7 (ANI): India and Zambia must aim at a collective effort to give value addition to the over four-decade-long bilateral relationship, said former Zambian President Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda on Thursday.

Interacting with visiting Indian Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and the Indian delegation, 85-year-old Kaunda said: "Our relations have continued to grow from strength to strength. Our nations are now focusing attention on issues of trade and investment between our two countries. I am aware that we do have several Indian investments here in the country (Zambia), which are contributing to our efforts to attain sustainable economic and social development... I would like, in this regard, to appeal for collective efforts that are aimed at value addition."

"The investors from India should work in partnership with Zambian entrepreneurs to engage in value addition by processing raw materials locally, here in Zambia... This will be the right thing to do for the realisation of our common objectives," Kaunda added.

Kaunda said that he had nod doubt that given the cordial relations that exist between India and Zambia, these common objectives could be achieved through mutual cooperation.

He hoped relations between the two countries would continue to flourish.

"Let there be continued peace, harmony and prosperity in India. Let our relations continue to grow for our mutual benefit," Kaunda said.By Ashok Dixit (ANI)