By Isaac Zulu
Private Sector Development Association chairperson Yusuf Dodia has said that the removal of visa fees from selected countries is a well thought out strategy by the UPND government.
Speaking in an interview, Dodia explained that the removal of visa fees from certain countries in Europe, Middle East, North America and China will impact positively on the country’s economy.
“The removal of visa fees from selected countries will automatically attract consideration for investment in Zambia. Entering the country without visa requirements means doing away with too much red tape. If you look at countries from North America such as Canada, 22 countries from Europe and China; you can see that government has targeted certain countries so that they can expand their businesses and investments in Zambia,” Dodia said. “This provides an opportunity to expand trade between Zambia and those countries. I think it is a well thought out strategy by government.”
He said that the move also provides an opportunity for the expansion of the tourism sector, saying tourism is potentially a big foreign exchange earner.
“The growth of the tourism is a very important area for us to focus on in Zambia. So with this strategy we are going to see tourists from Europe, for instance, frequently coming to Zambia than before. This also provides an opportunity the expansion of the tourism sector. And tourism is potentially a big foreign exchange earner for Zambia,” said Dodia. “I think it was carefully considered as to which countries should be included on the list visa free access to Zambia. And I am sure we will start seeing the results in the next few months.”
