Sheikh Saud and Zambian President discuss business and investment cooperation

Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, received Rupiah Banda, President of the Republic of Zambia, and an accompanying delegation who called on him here Tuesday afternoon.
Sheikh Saud welcomed President Rupiah Banda and expressed hope that the visit will serve to enhance bilateral relations between UAE and Zambia, in addition to developing economic and investment cooperation between the two countries.
During the talks both leaders explored new avenues of cooperation in trade, tourism and mining and the possibility of establishing joint ventures between Ras Al Khaimah and Zambia.
Sheikh Saud said that Zambia, endowed with substantial natural resources, had great potential for development. "We are very happy to look at investment opportunities in Zambia and to share our expertise in the industrial, manufacturing and logistics sectors."
Sheikh Saud gave President Rupiah Banda an overview of the pro- investment development agenda being implemented in the emirate.
"Ras Al Khaimah has successfully implemented government reform to increase competitiveness and efficient delivery of services. The bureaucratic hurdles which dampened investments were removed by establishing one- stop shop for licensing. These reform measures, implemented over the last six years, have led to substantial foreign investments as well as expansion of the industry, service and infrastructure sectors of the emirate," Sheikh Saud said.
President Banda said that he was impressed by the rapid development witnessed in Ras Al Khaimah and expressed the desire of his country to establish a strong partnership with UAE and the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah for new investment and sharing of information across various sectors.
"Zambia has numerous mineral resources and raw materials for industries. The government has been spearheading the development of multi- facility economic zones for the development of the industrial sector. We would welcome cooperation and expertise from Ras Al Khaimah that would contribute to attracting more investments to Zambia," President Banda said.
The presidential delegation included Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Finance and National Planning of Zambia, and a number of senior officials.
Sheikh Omar bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Ruler's Private Affairs Department, Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Finance Department and RAK Free Trade Zone, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Customs and Ports Department, Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chaiman of RAK Civil Aviation, Sheikh Abdullah bin Humaid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Office Manager of Ras Al Khaimah Crown Prince, and a number of officials were present at the meeting.