Special Session with H.E Mr.Percy P. Chanda, High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia in India held at MCCI
12th February 2025
Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry organised a Special Session with H.E. Mr. Percy P. Chanda, High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia in India on “Business Opportunities, Investments and Tourism in Zambia” here today at the Chamber. Dr. Arjun De, Honorary Consul of Zambia in Kolkata also addressed the Session.
Mr. Amit Saraogi, President, MCCI identified sectors like renewable energy, cooperation in agricultural technologies, and value chain development, live-stock, dairy-farming, sharing knowledge and expertise in digital infrastructure as potential for collaboration between India and Zambia. India can provide medical equipment and healthcare training. He viewed that joint ventures in tourism for building infrastructure (like hotels, resorts, and tourism facilities) with Indian investors can help boost Zambia’s tourism industry.
While highlighting India’s economic landscape, Mr. Arun Kumar Garodia, Chairman, Council on Foreign Trade, MCCI, mentioned that the Government of India put high emphasis on walking the path of development together with fellow friendly countries. He further mentioned that the ambitious ‘India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor’ through land and sea routes, as announced during G-20 Summit, would be a game-changer in connecting continents and redefining the bilateral trade and investments prospects of India with the world. Referring to the outcome of BGBS 2025, he viewed that West Bengal is now all set to play a lead role in facilitating bilateral economic and commercial relation with Zambia.
H. E. Mr. Percy P. Chanda, High Commissioner of the Republic of Zambia in India in his address said that Zambia is one of the fastest growing economy in Africa with a growing GDP of about US$21 billion, inflation of 5%. India and Zambia Relationship has evolved significantly in the 60 years journey.
The envoy highlighted that Zambia is now open for investment, the sectors including mining, agriculture, energy, manufacturing, water supply development, IT and construction. The Country specially focusing on livestock and food processing sector.
In Zambia, 10% of the Population is of Indian origin. In terms of trade, Zambia is centrally located and land-linked to eight neighbouring countries with well-developed infrastructure facilities which includes road, railway, and air transport.
To boost manufacturing industry, the country has set up 7 SEZs and created Industrial Parks to help facilitate industries like agro, EVs, electric, capital, and equipment machineries. Zambia has positioned herself as hub for the production of Electric Vehicles and Electric Vehicle Batteries.
Dr. Arjun De, Hony. Consul of Zambia in Kolkata highlighted the opportunities in hospital and tourism sector. He suggested that doing business in Zambia would give access to the market of Africa.
The session ended with a hearty Vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Ajay Kajaria, Past President, MCCI mentioned Zambia is the safest country in the Sub-Saharan region, progressing in a big-way. The country is prioritising trade in the critical mining, agricultural and food processing sector giving emphasis on manufacturing.
(This story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a Media Release)
