President Edgar Lungu says he is excited to officiate at the 2017 Trade Fair in Swaziland, at the invitation of King Mswati III.

In a message posted on his Facebook page, President Lungu said his trip to the Kingdom was a sign that the relationship between Zambia and Swaziland was growing stronger.

“It is a great honour to participate in the Swaziland International Trade Fair being organized under the theme: “Unlocking Trade Opportunities for Economic Growth”, President Lungu stated.

“I wish to pay special tribute to His Majesty, King Mswati III, of the Kingdom of Swaziland, The Government and the people of this great Kingdom for inviting us to witness the significant strides which Swaziland has made in economic fields and other human endeavours.”

He said the bilateral relations between the two countries were good for the whole SADC region.

“My coming to Swaziland clearly signifies that our friendship is growing from strength to strength. This is good not only for Zambia and Swaziland but the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region and the entire African continent,” President Lungu said.

“In our efforts to stimulate trade, my Government remains committed to ensuring that we boost trade between our two countries in line with this year’s Trade Fair theme. As we implement our industrialization agenda through regional value chains, I am confident our trade and investment opportunities will be enhanced even more for the mutual benefit of our people.”

President Lungu observed that no country could attain economic development without promoting trade.

“Trade stirs economic growth through increased commercial opportunities and investments, thereby reducing poverty among our people,” said President Lungu.