.FINNISH Ambassador to Zambia – Pertti Anttinen

By CHARITY MOONGA –
FINNISH Ambassador to Zambia Pertti Anttinen has said the fight against poverty should be enhanced as Zambia celebrates 50 years of independence.
Mr Anttinen said it was important for Zambia to address the high poverty levels and make economic growth all inclusive for citizens.
He said in an interview that Finland would remain committed to assisting Zambia in its development process.
Mr Anttinen said Zambia remained a priority country in the development process for Finland.
“Zambia has been a long time friend and one of the seven priority countries for Finland development,” he said.
He said Finland has been working with Zambia to ensure prosperity for the country.
Finland was aware of the problems Zambia was facing since the seventies and was therefore determined to ensure development takes root.
“I am glad that we have a new type of cooperation with Zambia which involves trade,” he said.
Mr Anttinen said last year Finland assisted Zambia with K200m while this year the country would be given K100m for development purposes.
He said Finland would continue to focus on helping Zambia develop agriculture as it was one of the priority sectors of the economy.
“We are happy with the way funds are being used in agriculture which is critical to development,” he said.
Finland would also continue to cooperate with Zambia in environment and forestry sub-sectors.
Earlier, Mr Anttinen welcomed 17 Finnish Journalists who are in Zambia to familiarise themselves with cooperation projects.
He said it was important for the Journalists to visit Zambia and appreciate the cooperation between the two countries.
“The Journalists are here to learn about Zambia’s changing economic development which has been rapid. They are also here to learn about Zambia’s tourism which is key in bringing prosperity to the country,” he said.