BUUMBA CHIMBULU writes A TECHNICAL team from Saudi Arabia is expected in Zambia to assess the epidemic situation which will determine whether to lift the ban of export of livestock to that country. In 2016 the Zambian Government and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Zambia to export 1 million goats monthly to Saudi Arabia. Last year, Saudi Arabia added beef and honey to the agreement. Deputy Minister of environment, water and agriculture for fisheries affairs-Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Alkhamshi said the team would also assess the epidemic situation and veterinary services in Zambia. Mr Alkhamshi was speaking recently at the third session of the Zambia Saudi Arabia joint permanent commission which took place on the 16th to 18th April, 2019, in Saudi Arabia. “The team will as well as get acquainted with procedures to follow to control Foot and Mouth disease,” he said. Mr Alkhamshi said Saudi Arabia was also interested to cooperate with Zambia in the supply of phosphate fertilizer. Mr Alkhamshi said his country would also train Zambians in various medical fields and renewable energy. “We also want collaboration in agriculture and veterinary research institutes, as well as opportunities under the Saudi Fund for Development and the Saudi Export Program,” he said. Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry permanent secretary, Kayula Siame said the two countries agreed to work out modalities for the implementation of the Bilateral Air Service. Ms Siame explained that the two sides underscored the need to increase private sector participation as well as bilateral trade and investment. “Zambia and Saudi Arabia agreed to develop linkages between selected hospitals in Zambia with Saudi advanced hospitals as well as between medical research institutions of both countries and to exchange information in the field of communicable diseases,” she said.
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