Zambia seeks more Turkish investments at TUSKON event

The southern African country of Zambia is expecting to attract more Turkish investment following a business forum organized by the Turkish Confederation of Businessmen and Industrialists (TUSKON) in Istanbul yesterday. Speaking at the opening of the Turkey-Zambia Trade and Investment Forum, Zambian President Rupiah Bwezani Banda invited Turkish businessmen to invest in his country to boost trade between the countries, describing his country as "awash with all natural endowments that any industry needs." The forum brought together dozens of Turkish and Zambian businessmen with the goal of forging partnerships and enhancing economic integration between the two countries. Accompanied by four Cabinet ministers from the Zambian government and a group of businessmen, Banda arrived in Ankara for an official meeting with President Abdullah Gul on Monday. Zambia has agreed to ease visa procedures for Turkish citizens, and Turkey will soon open an embassy in the country. Turkish Airlines (THY) has also said it will start direct flights to Zambia. In opening remarks, TUSKON Chairman Rizanur Meral said the forum is meant to boost bilateral trade, adding that he hopes it will facilitate Turkish businessmen investing in Zambia.