PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema will on Tuesday travel to the United Arab Emirates to grace the National Day of the Republic of Zambia at the World Expo 2020 Dubai.

In a statement, foreign affairs minister Stanley Kakubo said this was being held under the theme: “Come to Zambia, A Land of Peace and Opportunities”.

“I wish to inform the nation that Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, is scheduled to travel to the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday 18th January, 2022. President Hichilema accepted an invitation from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai to grace the National Day of the Republic of Zambia at the World Expo 2020 Dubai on Thursday 20th January, 2022, which is themed: “Come to Zambia, A Land of Peace and Opportunities”. On Wednesday 19th January, 2022, ahead of the Expo, the President is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, signifying Zambia’s growing notable presence on the global stage,” stated Kakubo.

“Zambia is among the 192 countries participating at the Dubai Expo, which runs from 1st October, 2021 to 31st March 2022, and presents a great opportunity to create synergies between advanced and emerging economies to promote equitable growth and development. Over 40 Zambian companies are expected to participate in the event to showcase the country’s enormous potential for trade, investment and tourism, and cultural endowments. On the margins of the National Day at the Expo, the Republic of Zambia will hold a Business Forum under the theme: Doing Business in Zambia, bringing together government representatives, industry captains and potential investors. In line with the Government’s vision of ensuring economic transformation and sustainable development, the President will also hold meetings with the Emirates Investment Authority (EIA); Abu Dhabi Fund for Development; Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, and DP World.”

President Hichilema and his delegation are scheduled to return to Zambia on January 22, 2022.