Copper exports have proved to be unsustainable due to international price volatility hence the need to prioritize economic diversification, according to the Policy Monitoring and Research Center (PMRC).

The center says the challenge for Zambia is to continue negotiating for the best deals especially those aimed at promoting development of manufacturing industries and industrial parks to promote value addition especially in agriculture and mining.

The center’s observation comes a day after the official close of the 3rd edition of the Forum for Africa – China Cooperation (FOCAC) that was held in Beijing, China

The center is also of the view that Chinese high-tech companies should be encouraged to set up numerous development bases in Africa to promote technology transfer.

PMRC Executive Director Bernadette Deka says Zambia’s prospects for diversification away from mining are within the agricultural sector given Zambia’s rich natural resource endowment.

Ms Deka notes that initiatives such as the recently signed protocol at the FOCAC for the export of Zambian honey to China are welcome but this should be extended to other products to lessen the country’s dependence on copper exports, as the main source of foreign exchange.

She mantains that copper exports have proved to be unsustainable due to international price volatility.

Ms Deka states that with the eight initiatives stamped at the FOCAC shaping the new path of China Africa relations, Zambia should strategically align programmes to benefit from the broader development commitments.

“The country should however not lose sight of its quest of focusing on homegrown development initiatives amidst these opportunities from the FOCAC. On the MOU’s and business agreements signed, PMRC welcomes the new market for Zambia’s honey as this will further promote the sector and generate revenue for the country,” Ms Deka says.

She is also calling on government to extend this to more products so as to support the growth of the Agriculture value chain.

Ms Deka adds that it is also gratifying to note that China is joining in the quest to decongest the capital Lusaka adding that she is aware that India is also supporting this project with the proposed construction of fly over bridges and the speed trains will promote mobility within the city.