President Hakainde Hichilema has called for continued and enhanced economic partnerships between Egypt and Zambia.

President Hichilema said he would like to work with the Egyptian government in many areas, especially in the sphere of water harvesting as it borders on food security and economic growth.

He also said there is need to actualise the people to people and government to government businesses for purposes of economic growth between the two countries.

“We need to continue on the trajectory of the importance of economic development and partnerships on the backdrop of our long standing bilateral relationship,” he said.

He praised the Egyptian government for its support to Zambia in the pharmaceutical sector.

The President was speaking at State House today when he met a delegation of Arab Contractors led by Egyptian Ambassador to Zambia, Mayada Essam.

Speaking at the same meeting, Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Charles Milupi, said the Arab contractors have expressed willingness to participate in Zambia’s road construction sector.

The Arab contractors have since inspected some roads in the country.

Mr Milupi said the Arab contractors have also agreed to collaborate on housing infrastructure projects in the country, adding that it is a welcome move because Zambia has a huge housing deficit.

And Egyptian Ambassador to Zambia, Mayada Essam, said President Hichilema’s state visit to Egypt in February this year, elevated bilateral and historical relations between the two countries.

Ms Essam noted that economic diplomacy should be the engine of such elevation.

“Following that meeting, I received clear directives from my President to enhance the Egyptian-Zambian partnership through tangible projects on priority sectors through both private and public partnerships,” she added.

She said in response to the directives, her team has worked with urgency and commitment to translate the economic vision into partnerships through working in close collaboration with the Zambian Ambassador to Egypt.

“We have built a platform of mutual cooperation rooted in trust, momentum and partnerships,” she added.

Meanwhile, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Arab Contractors, Ahmed El Assar, explained that the Arab Contractors company has been in existence for 70 years.

Mr El Assar said the company has constructed over 85 percent of road works in Egypt, 90 percent of water and sewerage projects and 90 percent of electricity plants.

“We are willing to forge cooperation with our Zambian brothers. We believe we have a lot to do here,” said Mr El Assar.