Serenje Central Member of Parliament Maxwell Kabanda says the just ended Central Province Investment Expo has provided a platform for everyone to realise the potential which the Province has to offer.

“The Expo has further revealed the various drivers which would steer the Province to sustainable development,” Mr. Kabanda.

The lawmaker says the Central Province has unexploited abundant natural resources making it an epitome of agriculture production in the country.

He adds that the Province had abundant tourism, mining and rich cultural heritage.

“The Dr. David Livingstone Memorial Site, the Nsalu Caves, the Kasanka National Park with its migration of bats as some of the factors influencing the demand for tourists in the Province,” Mr. Kabanda cited.

He said the support from all the traditional leaders in the Province who witnessed the official opening of the event by President Edgar Lungu showed unity of purpose which should be nurtured.

“It also goes to show that no one wants to be left behind in our quest to foster sustainable development,” Mr. Kabanda said.

He said it was also a realisation for the need to create market linkages with the small and medium scale farmers in order to build a strong and dynamic industrial nation for sustainable job creation.

“In a nutshell, the whole concept of investment expo should be replicated to all the provinces in the country so that we can identify and harness all the available opportunities if we are to achieve the vision 2030without leaving any one behind,” Mr. Kabanda said.

He said political leaders would support an inclusive society which would reduce the levels of poverty considerably just as China which had developed using industrial clusters which are known as Economic Zones.

“Therefore, no country even those condemning us can survive economically without Chinese aid, the west are condemning us during day time but in the night they are getting aid from China,” the Lawmaker said.

Mr. Kabanda said the role the private sector played during the Expo deserved commendation from all well-meaning citizens as they also proved to be major drivers and strong pillars in the growth of the economy.

“They should therefore be supported with attendant incentives, for Serenje and Chitambo Districts in particular, it is a wake-up call for us to follow up on marketing strategies for Nansanga Farming Block, Chipota Falls, Nkundalila Falls, Kasanka National Park with its migration of Birds, the David Livingstone Memmorial Site among others as potential tourist attraction sites,” he said.

Mr. Kabanda said there was need to market Kundalila Falls for safe, reliable and affordable energy for the citizenry.

“This clearly reinforces President Edgar Lungu’s resolve to achieve a smart and green Zambia,” he said.

The Serenje Central Member of Parliament praised the Central Province Provincial Administration for their resilience in hosting a successful Expo.

“Hon. Sydney Mushanga and his Permanent Secretary with the entire Organising committee exhibited patriotism and hard work coupled with a purpose of unity,” he said.