We would like to tap into that 10 million that travels overseas from India every year. We want a big chunk of that number to head to Zambia while it is peaceful. You see we have 20 game parks, the Victoria Falls which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. We’ve introduced walking safaris. You can explore our lakes by canoe, or drive near them by car. You can see the game. There is no animal that exists on the face of the earth that you will not find in Zambia. We have various waterfalls. We are now exploring what is called the northern circuit, since the area around Lake Tanganyika has now been electrified. It would add value to a visit. I’m sure the CEO of Zambia tourism would be very happy to work with you. My priority is not myself. It is to market Zambia. My country is bigger than me. I must work very hard, use my position to attract as many Indians as I can to Zambia.

On investment in Zambia…
At the same time I must also ensure that more Indian companies are attracted to Zambia to invest. The common maxim is PPP, but we don’t want to turn Zambia into a dumping ground. We can take manufactured goods to Zambia from India in the short and medium term, in the longer term we want Indian companies to come and manufacture in Zambia. You know what I mean. We already have the presence of Vedanta, Tata Power, Airtel, Taurus, and we want more to set up shop. The Mamba Collieries is partly owned by an Indian company. Pepsi in Zambia is owned by an Indian company. Saro Agro Industrial is present in farm mechanization.

We are bordered by eight countries, which means you have another eight countries that you can export to. Our business environment, our tax incentive is very good. We have a tax holiday. The point I’m trying to basically underscore is that we have a conducive environment for doing business. And we have peace and stability.

On Indian presence in Zambia…
There are about 20,000 Indians in Zambia, most of whom go back several generations. There are many teachers from India who have settled in Zambia. As a student myself during primary and secondary school, and then beyond to college and university, I was taught by several of them. We now have the Indian Business Council that is chaired by the Indian high commissioner in Zambia to promote trade and business. In May, I took a delegation of 15 businessmen. The delegation was supported by FICCI.