国际英语新闻:Zambian president calls for increased investment to spur agriculture sector

LUSAKA, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu said on Saturday that increased investment in agro-processing industries will go a long way in boosting the agriculture sector.

The Zambian leader said value addition especially in the fisheries and livestock sub-sectors was cardinal as the two have the potential to spur the much needed economic development in the country.

The fisheries and livestock sub-sectors were among the strategic areas of focus in government's quest of attaining sustainable economic development, he added.

In remarks delivered when he officially the 92nd Zambia Agricultural and Commercial Show, the Zambian leader called on the private sector to increase investment in agro-processing industries to ensure increased job creation and the competitiveness of the country in the region.

The government, he said, was focused on achieving economic growth through diversification in growth sectors, adding that the government's emphasis in sectors such as agriculture was to ensure increased production and productivity.

This year's event was being held under the theme "Sustainable Economic Empowerment".

Caroline Silwamba, the president of the Agriculture and Commercial Show Society of Zambia said the theme was appropriate and sends a signal that sustainable empowerment was essential for economies and businesses.