By HELEN ZULU-
INDIAN firms have created over 25,000 local jobs in various sectors of the sectors of the economy in the country, Indian High Commissioner to Zambia Gaddam Dharmendra has said.
Mr Dharmendra, who is also the Special Representative to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), said a number of Indian companies had made large investments in various sectors of the economy thereby creating over 25, 000 jobs in the country.
He said Indian companies were doing business in Zambia and a lot more had expressed interest to invest in the country.
He said the total investments by Indian companies in Zambia were in excess of $3 billion to date.
“A number of Indian companies like Airtel Zambia, Tata Africa, Nava Bharat Ventures Limited, RJ Corporation, Taurian Manganese and others have made large investments in various sectors in Zambia.
“Total investments by Indian companies in Zambia are in excess of $3 billion as of to date, employing over 25,000 Zambian nationals,” Mr Dharmendra said.
He noted that India’s exports to Zambia stood at $243.10 million in 2013 and that its’ imports from Zambia stood at $226.31 million in 2013.
“India’s export items include drug and pharmaceuticals, machinery and instruments, transport equipment, cotton yarn and fabrics, plastic, rubber, chemicals, and electronic goods which accounted for $243.10 million 2013.
“India’s imports from Zambia include non-ferrous metals, ores (copper and cobalt), semi-precious stones and raw cotton which stood at $226.31 million in 2013,” he said.