The French Ambassador to Zambia Sylvain Berger says the austerity measures recently announced by the Zambian Government are a step in the right direction.

Mr. Berger  has since affirmed that Zambia is on the right path to economic stabilization and sustained growth.

Mr. Berger adds that France’s expectation as a development partner is for Zambia to ensure that the austerity measures are effectively implemented so that the resultant outcomes benefit the people in the long-run.

In addition, Mr. Berger states that a strategic development plan for benefit optimization from Zambia’s rich natural resources needs to be implemented so that the country’s targets for jobs for citizens, wealth for all, and economic progression, are attained.

Mr. Berger was speaking when he paid a courtesy call on the Acting President and Minister of Finance Margaret Mwanakatwe, at her office in Lusaka.

Among the other issues discussed during the meeting were sustainable energy investments, enhancement of fiscal management, support to the private sector, and implementation of bilateral agreements.

And in response, Mrs. Mwanakatwe said Zambia remains one of the best investment destinations in Africa because of the country’s democratic maturity and the efficacy of its economic stabilization and transformational programmes.

“We are very pleased with your commitment to work with us in a mutually beneficial relationship,” she told the Ambassador, and added that, “the formation of the France-Zambia Business Association is an affirmation of the warmth of our friendship and the resolve our two governments to optimize the benefits from our bilateral relation through public and private sector partnerships.”

Mrs. Mwanakatwe is acting in place of President Edgar Lungu who today has left for Namibia for the SADC Heads of State and Government Summit.

During the Summit, Zambia, through President Lungu, is scheduled to take over the Chairmanship of the Troika on Defence, Peace and Security.

The Vice President Inonge Wina, is in Turkey for a three day visit.

This is contained in a statement issued to Money FM News by Ministry of Finance Head of Public Relations Chileshe Kandeta.