Zambia has received a maiden invitation to this year’s Valencia Cup, which kick-offs on Monday, 18thJuly, 2011.
The country will be represented by Lusaka Youth Soccer Academy (LYSA) in the Under-17category.
The Valencia Youth Cup attracts teams from across the world and kicks off on July 18 to 25 this year.
Academy Chairperson, Leenus Kaputa, who is delighted at the invitation to the competition, is however optimistic of a positive result.
Kaputa, whose team has previously participated in youth tournament in Denmark and Sweden, said the future of Zambian football lies in young people.
The Academy has previously taken the boys to Spain for a training camp in Barcelona.
Lusaka Youth Soccer Academy is a community based team that has specialized in the development of young talents and occasionally hosts clinics with seasoned trainers such as Red Arrows mentor George Lwandamina.
Kaputa also announced that a 17 member team would make up the contingent for the competition, who include: Goalkeeper: Mofya Lwandamina, Striker: Musonda Kapembwa.
The team is expected to leave for the tournament, tomorrow(Sunday).
Team List:
Goalkeepers: Mofya Lwandamina and Bernard Kabukulu
Defenders: Benny Chepeshi, Chapwe Chama, Bernard Mulenga, Edward Tembo and Mukuka Kafula.
Midfielders: Simon Sakala, Muzundu Katema, Mark Shimunika, Mwiza Vwalika, Tubiskani Lwenje, Paricha Chikoya and Tiens Kahenya.
Strikers: Paul Marchenbeck, Akim Mumba and Musonda Kapembwa.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Friday, July 15, 2011
PRESIDENT BANDA URGES NEW ZAF OFFICERS TO GUARD AGAINST HIV
LIVINGSTONE, Friday, July 15, 2011 Republican President, Rupiah Banda, has urged newly-graduated Zambia Air Force (ZAF) officers to guard against contracting HIV/AIDS.
The President said this here today when he officiated at the commissioning parade of graduating ZAF officer cadets who have just completed one year of military and professional training.
The Head of State, who is also Commander-In-Chief of the Zambian armed forces, observed that HIV and AIDS had negatively affected the fitness of military personnel, hence the need to mainatin a high level of moral discipline.
“I wish to warn you about the dangers of HIV/AIDS which poses a serious threat to the effectiveness of our defence force. As a defence force, we have lost a number of skilled manpower from this scourge I, therefore, wish to advise you, our young men and women graduating today, to treat HIV/AIDS as your number one enemy,” he said.
President Banda said the military career required officers to be fit at all times, and that they could only remain so if they looked after themselves well and displayed good moral standards befitting a well disciplined body of men and women in uniform.
The President also urged the graduating officers to be alert at all times as the Zambia’s security lay on their shoulders.
“Do not relax or take peace for granted; be alert and on guard at all times. You must always approach your duty with professionalism and decorum. Peace is a catalyst to economic development and it must always be upheld. Remain non-partisan and serve with loyalty, commitment and without fear,” the President said.
The Head of State challenged female graduates to rise to the challenges of military life by aspiring for promotion like their male counterparts.
The President said this here today when he officiated at the commissioning parade of graduating ZAF officer cadets who have just completed one year of military and professional training.
The Head of State, who is also Commander-In-Chief of the Zambian armed forces, observed that HIV and AIDS had negatively affected the fitness of military personnel, hence the need to mainatin a high level of moral discipline.
“I wish to warn you about the dangers of HIV/AIDS which poses a serious threat to the effectiveness of our defence force. As a defence force, we have lost a number of skilled manpower from this scourge I, therefore, wish to advise you, our young men and women graduating today, to treat HIV/AIDS as your number one enemy,” he said.
President Banda said the military career required officers to be fit at all times, and that they could only remain so if they looked after themselves well and displayed good moral standards befitting a well disciplined body of men and women in uniform.
The President also urged the graduating officers to be alert at all times as the Zambia’s security lay on their shoulders.
“Do not relax or take peace for granted; be alert and on guard at all times. You must always approach your duty with professionalism and decorum. Peace is a catalyst to economic development and it must always be upheld. Remain non-partisan and serve with loyalty, commitment and without fear,” the President said.
The Head of State challenged female graduates to rise to the challenges of military life by aspiring for promotion like their male counterparts.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
MIDDLE-INCOME RATING CHEERS PRESIDENT BANDA
LUSAKA, July 14, 2011 Republican President, Rupiah Banda has welcomed the World Bank’s announcement to re-classify Zambia as a middle-income country, which reinforces his achievements in building a better future for all Zambians.
In last week’s World Bank annual assessment of poor countries, Zambia was the 27th country to be re-classified since the year 2000 – ahead of Ghana at 28.
The President and his government have been working tirelessly to deliver economic prosperity to all Zambians by providing more education and employment opportunities and encouraging international investment in the country.
About the World Bank announcement, the President says: “This decision is the latest in a long line of economic achievements which are directly impacting the people of Zambia. Our economy is delivering growth of more that seven percent despite continued recession in many parts of the world, thanks to sound government policies, and it is good that this is being recognised again on the world stage.
I now want to lock-in the stability that our new status brings; I want all Zambians to start feeling the benefits of better salaries and a better standard of living.
He continues: “My goal has always been for Zambia to achieve a better place in the world. We will achieve this through establishing security, stability and prosperity for all Zambians.
Having a stable economy which will yield jobs and increase foreign investment, erode poverty and maintain steady food production and lower prices is critical, and my government will continue to work hard to achieve this on behalf of all the Zambian people.”
The government is also in the process of establishing multi-facility economic zones and industrial parks to promote the manufacturing sector.
This is according to a statement from the press and public relations unit at state house.
In last week’s World Bank annual assessment of poor countries, Zambia was the 27th country to be re-classified since the year 2000 – ahead of Ghana at 28.
The President and his government have been working tirelessly to deliver economic prosperity to all Zambians by providing more education and employment opportunities and encouraging international investment in the country.
About the World Bank announcement, the President says: “This decision is the latest in a long line of economic achievements which are directly impacting the people of Zambia. Our economy is delivering growth of more that seven percent despite continued recession in many parts of the world, thanks to sound government policies, and it is good that this is being recognised again on the world stage.
I now want to lock-in the stability that our new status brings; I want all Zambians to start feeling the benefits of better salaries and a better standard of living.
He continues: “My goal has always been for Zambia to achieve a better place in the world. We will achieve this through establishing security, stability and prosperity for all Zambians.
Having a stable economy which will yield jobs and increase foreign investment, erode poverty and maintain steady food production and lower prices is critical, and my government will continue to work hard to achieve this on behalf of all the Zambian people.”
The government is also in the process of establishing multi-facility economic zones and industrial parks to promote the manufacturing sector.
This is according to a statement from the press and public relations unit at state house.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Zambia attains middle-income status
Zambia has attained the status of the middle-income country nineteen-years before the set-target of 2030.
Zambia and Ghana are ranked 27th and 28th among 63 countries which the World Bank has reclassified as middle-income countries since the year 2000.
The development is widely seen, as boost for incumbent President, Rupiah Banda, ahead of the country’s general elections due this year.
According to Wednesday’s edition of the United Kingdom-based newspaper, The Guardian, the upward adjustment in Zambia’s income growth is a result of foreign aid-driven interventions and surging prices of copper in the last few decades.
Low-income countries are those with the average gross national income (GNIs) of less than US$1, 005 per person annually.
Lower middle-income countries have per capita GNIs of between US$1,006 per year and upper middle-income countries have per capita GNIs between US$3, 976 and US$12, 275.
The UK newspaper says the World Bank did its annual assessment of poor countries last week and the new middle-income countries this year are Zambia and Ghana.
It states that the price of copper (Zambia’s major export) was depressed in the 80s and saw its price rise in the middle of the last decade as China and India’s economies grew and demand for copper soared.
The newspaper states that the World Bank country classifications which are used to help to determine types and levels of support provided by many aid agencies need a rethink.
The middle-income countries now account for most of the world’s population living in absolute poverty and they need aid allocation models which will take account of poor people and deprivation beyond income.
On the Millennium Development Goals, the Guardian newspaper states that Zambia and Ghana have done well although the progress to attain the goals is slow.
There are only 35 low-income countries remaining out of the countries being assessed by the world.
In March this year, Zambia was assigned a B+ sovereign credit by two internationally recognised credit agencies, Standard and Poors and Fitch.
Zambia and Ghana are ranked 27th and 28th among 63 countries which the World Bank has reclassified as middle-income countries since the year 2000.
The development is widely seen, as boost for incumbent President, Rupiah Banda, ahead of the country’s general elections due this year.
According to Wednesday’s edition of the United Kingdom-based newspaper, The Guardian, the upward adjustment in Zambia’s income growth is a result of foreign aid-driven interventions and surging prices of copper in the last few decades.
Low-income countries are those with the average gross national income (GNIs) of less than US$1, 005 per person annually.
Lower middle-income countries have per capita GNIs of between US$1,006 per year and upper middle-income countries have per capita GNIs between US$3, 976 and US$12, 275.
The UK newspaper says the World Bank did its annual assessment of poor countries last week and the new middle-income countries this year are Zambia and Ghana.
It states that the price of copper (Zambia’s major export) was depressed in the 80s and saw its price rise in the middle of the last decade as China and India’s economies grew and demand for copper soared.
The newspaper states that the World Bank country classifications which are used to help to determine types and levels of support provided by many aid agencies need a rethink.
The middle-income countries now account for most of the world’s population living in absolute poverty and they need aid allocation models which will take account of poor people and deprivation beyond income.
On the Millennium Development Goals, the Guardian newspaper states that Zambia and Ghana have done well although the progress to attain the goals is slow.
There are only 35 low-income countries remaining out of the countries being assessed by the world.
In March this year, Zambia was assigned a B+ sovereign credit by two internationally recognised credit agencies, Standard and Poors and Fitch.
ELECTIONS DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED WHEN ECZ IS READY
LUSAKA, July 13, 2011, - Republican President, Rupiah Bwezani Banda has reiterated his earlier position that he will only announce the date of the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government elections once all logistics are in place.
President Banda said announcing the date of elections is not done in a vacuum but in consultation with all key stakeholders, especially the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), which is mandated to run elections in the country.
He said the ECZ has not yet compiled the final Voter Register following the verification exercise which ended on 12th June, 2011.
All mistakes identified will have to be corrected.
The President said Zambians, especially politicians, should exercise patience and allow the ECZ and other institutions involved in organising the elections to carry out their duties without undue pressure. He said Zambia had always held elections on time whenever they are due and 2011 will not be an exceptional.
On the calls to dissolve Parliament, President Banda said he will only do so at the right time. He said the Constitution of Zambia, which he swore to uphold when he was elected President, is very clear on the dissolution of Parliament and he will not depart from the constitutional provisions.
President Banda said his focus, together with his Government, is to continue providing development and ensuring peace in the nation as the country awaits the General Elections. He appealed to Zambians to remain peaceful, concentrate on their daily activities and give ECZ room to prepare for the elections which will be held in a fair and transparent manner.
This is according to a statement issued by PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS unit at State house.
President Banda said announcing the date of elections is not done in a vacuum but in consultation with all key stakeholders, especially the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), which is mandated to run elections in the country.
He said the ECZ has not yet compiled the final Voter Register following the verification exercise which ended on 12th June, 2011.
All mistakes identified will have to be corrected.
The President said Zambians, especially politicians, should exercise patience and allow the ECZ and other institutions involved in organising the elections to carry out their duties without undue pressure. He said Zambia had always held elections on time whenever they are due and 2011 will not be an exceptional.
On the calls to dissolve Parliament, President Banda said he will only do so at the right time. He said the Constitution of Zambia, which he swore to uphold when he was elected President, is very clear on the dissolution of Parliament and he will not depart from the constitutional provisions.
President Banda said his focus, together with his Government, is to continue providing development and ensuring peace in the nation as the country awaits the General Elections. He appealed to Zambians to remain peaceful, concentrate on their daily activities and give ECZ room to prepare for the elections which will be held in a fair and transparent manner.
This is according to a statement issued by PRESS AND PUBLIC RELATIONS unit at State house.
DUTCH INTERCULTURAL PHILOSOPHER van BINSBERGEN VISITS ZAMBIA
THE NETHERLANDS based African Studies Centre (ASC) Professor of
Foundations of Intercultural Philosophy Wim van Binsbergen has said
the future of any developing nation lies in literature or books, just
as a handful of philosophers (Kant, Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche) shaped
European, subsequently global, history in the last 200 years.
Professor Van Binsbergen, an author of 30 books that include,
“Intercultural Encounters: African and Anthropological Lessons towards
a Philosophy of Interculturality” (2003) and “Tears of Rain: Ethnicity
and History in Central Western Zambia” (1992) on the Nkoyas;
“Religious Change in Zambia” (1981) on pre-colonial religion, is
visiting Zambia for two weeks on a mission seeking close cooperation
between European and Zambia researchers; as a guest of The Kazanga
Cultural Association.
He is also scheduled to attend the Kazanga Traditional Ceremony of the
Nkoya in Kaoma on Saturday where Vice President George Kunda will be
the guest of honour.
Kazanga of the Nkoya of Kaoma was revived in
1988. Professor Van Binsbergen will use the opportunity to meet Senior
Chief Mwene Mutondo among chiefs of the Nkoya Royal Establishment.
Professor Van Binsbergen lectured at UNZA from 1971 to 1974 and then
was an affiliate of UNZA’s Institute for African Studies for many
years. According to Professor Van Binsbergen’s website
(www.shikanda.net) which also gives an overview of, and even internet
access to, his books, “in the last few years he has travelled
extensively in South, South East and South Asia in order to document
Asian-African continuities.”
He said despite the poor reading culture in Zambia and in other parts
of the world, despite development of the internet and other new media,
the future of development still lies largely in books or literature.
He said this during a courtesy conversation in Lusaka (Protea Hotel
Arcades) with literary journalist Kasebamashila Kaseba who is writing,
“A Concise Dictionary of Common Names of Zambia.
”Professor Binsbergen, a practicing e-based sangoma diviner-healer-priest, talked
about reading beyond examinations and against keeping of books as kind
of trophies.
*Issued by shipwa infoline/kaseba 0965-122333; check website
(www.shikanda.net) for latest photo and other details; contact kaseba
for his mobile number in Zambia.
Foundations of Intercultural Philosophy Wim van Binsbergen has said
the future of any developing nation lies in literature or books, just
as a handful of philosophers (Kant, Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche) shaped
European, subsequently global, history in the last 200 years.
Professor Van Binsbergen, an author of 30 books that include,
“Intercultural Encounters: African and Anthropological Lessons towards
a Philosophy of Interculturality” (2003) and “Tears of Rain: Ethnicity
and History in Central Western Zambia” (1992) on the Nkoyas;
“Religious Change in Zambia” (1981) on pre-colonial religion, is
visiting Zambia for two weeks on a mission seeking close cooperation
between European and Zambia researchers; as a guest of The Kazanga
Cultural Association.
He is also scheduled to attend the Kazanga Traditional Ceremony of the
Nkoya in Kaoma on Saturday where Vice President George Kunda will be
the guest of honour.
Kazanga of the Nkoya of Kaoma was revived in
1988. Professor Van Binsbergen will use the opportunity to meet Senior
Chief Mwene Mutondo among chiefs of the Nkoya Royal Establishment.
Professor Van Binsbergen lectured at UNZA from 1971 to 1974 and then
was an affiliate of UNZA’s Institute for African Studies for many
years. According to Professor Van Binsbergen’s website
(www.shikanda.net) which also gives an overview of, and even internet
access to, his books, “in the last few years he has travelled
extensively in South, South East and South Asia in order to document
Asian-African continuities.”
He said despite the poor reading culture in Zambia and in other parts
of the world, despite development of the internet and other new media,
the future of development still lies largely in books or literature.
He said this during a courtesy conversation in Lusaka (Protea Hotel
Arcades) with literary journalist Kasebamashila Kaseba who is writing,
“A Concise Dictionary of Common Names of Zambia.
”Professor Binsbergen, a practicing e-based sangoma diviner-healer-priest, talked
about reading beyond examinations and against keeping of books as kind
of trophies.
*Issued by shipwa infoline/kaseba 0965-122333; check website
(www.shikanda.net) for latest photo and other details; contact kaseba
for his mobile number in Zambia.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
115 new jobs every day, as Britain continues to draw overseas investment
British Business Secretary Vince Cable today reaffirmed the importance of inward investment in rebalancing the economy, as he published figures showing 94,598 jobs created or safeguarded in 2010/11.
Crucially, over two thirds of new jobs came from existing investors. This demonstrates that companies investing in the UK are staying, growing and succeeding, stimulating growth across the country.
In a year when inward investment is recovering from global uncertainty, the UK has recorded a strong performance, attracting investment from 54 countries.
British Prime Minister David Cameron said:
"In this competitive, globalised world it is our determination to do all that we can to secure more investment, more jobs and more trade. This will be critical to get our economy back on track, to build sustainable long-term growth and help rebalance the economy so that we are not over reliant on any one industry or on one corner of the country.
"That is why we have radically stepped up the importance of trade and investment throughout government, to make sure we fly the flag for Britain at every opportunity, and ensure that Britain is the first choice destination for overseas companies.
"And I can assure investors that you have got a government that is absolutely on your side, we are cutting corporation tax, we are cutting red tape and our plan for growth puts at its heart the commitment to remove barriers to help companies invest and business to thrive."
The UK remains Europe’s top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), attracting 28 projects each week and generating nearly 2000 jobs each week. This supports the UK’s position as the destination of choice for businesses of every size.
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the department that supports businesses coming to the UK, has been significantly involved in building up the country’s competitiveness in terms of inward investment.
In 2010 / 11 UKTI helped to generate nearly 50,000 jobs - up 6% on the previous year. This equates to 136 every day and 959 every week. Separately UKTI helped to set up 849 new projects, which itself is up 12% on 2009 / 10 figures.
Speaking to over 100 CEOs of the UK’s leading investors at UKTI’s Business Summit, British Business Secretary Vince Cable said:
“The UK is rightly proud of what it achieves in exporting ideas and products overseas, but also in bringing new technologies and talent home.
“When a business locates in the UK it can have a positive impact on local jobs and on improving skills across the country. With more overseas companies choosing the UK to set up their headquarters than anywhere else, we are in a good position to capitalise on these opportunities.”
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said:
“Sustained inward investment is crucial in maintaining our economic health, and so we must ensure that the UK remains an attractive place to do business and that foreign investors are aware of what we have to offer.
“FCO and UKTI staff, at our embassies and high commissions overseas, actively champion the UK’s strengths and I hope to see continued investment in the UK as a result.”
Jobs have increased across a range of sectors, including financial services, environmental technologies, e-commerce and software and computer services. The biggest of these increases was 212% in financial services, where London remains the world’s foremost financial centre.
Factfile – 2010/11
• The UK received investments from 54 countries.
• The USA continues to be the largest source of investments, generating 36,424 jobs (a 15% increase from 2009/10)
• Investment from Germany into the UK is rising.
• Australia, the UK’s 7th largest investor this year, generated 4,344 jobs, up 458%.
• India regained its position of the 4th largest investor with project figures up by 5% to 97.
• Spain moved up the ranking to 8th, with projects up by 47% (to 56) and jobs generated up by 116% (to 3,542).
• The UK’s top investors from the Eurozone remain France and Germany, with Switzerland and Italy making significant increases. Swiss projects increased to 45 (up 50%) whilst Italy generated 2,940 jobs (up 210%).
• The UK recorded a 41% increase in Environmental Technologies projects, resulting in 111 projects with 4, 096 associated jobs (up from 1,803).
• Financial Services saw the largest increase in associated jobs, up from 5,450 to 17,004 (a 212% increase).
• In November 2010 the Prime Minister launched ‘Tech City’ in Shoreditch, London, to encourage high value technology investment in the UK. It is now home to over 250 rapidly-growing companies.
Business Quotes
Mr Akio Fukui, CEO of Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe (MPSE), said:
"Being in the UK helps MPSE get closer to our UK and European customers. The UK is committed to having an open and competitive economy, and as an inward investor we were and are made to feel welcome and valued. There continue to be examples that the UK is keen to maintain and enhance its competitive position as a location for FDI, such as; the commitment to reduce corporation tax, taxation on foreign branch offices, and the so called patent box. UK Trade and Investment and Scottish Development International have helped us to understand the local market, access available support, as well as assisting us get the opportunity to showcase our business to relevant areas of Government. "
Mark Elborne, President and CEO of GE UK said:
“The UK is an important region for GE – in fact, it is the next biggest territory for GE outside of the United States. Over the past 10 years we have invested over £14billion in acquisitions in the UK as a result of the high levels of technology expertise, sector knowledge and ground breaking innovation here. The depth of skills and manufacturing tradition in this country are extremely attractive to a company like GE, which explain why we have chosen to locate over a dozen global centres of excellence here - researching, designing, and manufacturing innovative solutions which help to solve some of the biggest environmental and healthcare challenges we face both at home and overseas.”
Graham Lay, Vice President at HP Enterprise Services, said:
"The UK is an important market for HP; home to our largest R&D facility outside the US and the global centre for research on cloud computing and security technologies. The UK is also where we develop and deploy many of HP's most innovative technology solutions for customers, providing British enterprises with the technology required to compete globally. Underpinning this is the need for the UK to have a deep pool of highly skilled people and a positive environment for enterprise and innovation.
HP welcomes the encouragement in the higher education paper for greater collaboration between universities and businesses - such as the partnership HP enjoys with the University of West of England to jointly create and deliver a course on Enterprise Computing. We look forward to the government's forthcoming strategy on research and innovation and are committed to supporting measures that drive deeper links between education and enterprise."
Gary Hendler, CEO and President Eisai Europe Ltd, said:
“The UK has traditionally been an attractive market for life sciences industry investment due to its strong science base, its unique single healthcare system and stable business environment. The UK now however faces challenges for global investment from developing (BRIC) markets and it is vitally important that the UK sustains an attractive business environment to continue to attract investment in a time of limited resources. The UK is making good progress in this direction with research and financial measures, however patient access to innovative new medicines must be ensured to continue to attract investment.
“In 2009 Eisai chose Hatfield in the UK to base its European Knowledge Centre, a £100 million investment in drug discovery, development, management and manufacturing. This investment has been rewarded by the launch of Eisai's first independent oncology product Halaven - first launched in the UK and then the rest of Europe; and the recent submission for marketing authorisation of perampanel, a new class of treatment, discovered and developed by Eisai in the UK, as a treatment for partial-onset seizures in patients with epilepsy.”
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK’s economy – acknowledged as Europe’s best place from which to succeed in global business.
UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage.
Crucially, over two thirds of new jobs came from existing investors. This demonstrates that companies investing in the UK are staying, growing and succeeding, stimulating growth across the country.
In a year when inward investment is recovering from global uncertainty, the UK has recorded a strong performance, attracting investment from 54 countries.
British Prime Minister David Cameron said:
"In this competitive, globalised world it is our determination to do all that we can to secure more investment, more jobs and more trade. This will be critical to get our economy back on track, to build sustainable long-term growth and help rebalance the economy so that we are not over reliant on any one industry or on one corner of the country.
"That is why we have radically stepped up the importance of trade and investment throughout government, to make sure we fly the flag for Britain at every opportunity, and ensure that Britain is the first choice destination for overseas companies.
"And I can assure investors that you have got a government that is absolutely on your side, we are cutting corporation tax, we are cutting red tape and our plan for growth puts at its heart the commitment to remove barriers to help companies invest and business to thrive."
The UK remains Europe’s top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), attracting 28 projects each week and generating nearly 2000 jobs each week. This supports the UK’s position as the destination of choice for businesses of every size.
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the department that supports businesses coming to the UK, has been significantly involved in building up the country’s competitiveness in terms of inward investment.
In 2010 / 11 UKTI helped to generate nearly 50,000 jobs - up 6% on the previous year. This equates to 136 every day and 959 every week. Separately UKTI helped to set up 849 new projects, which itself is up 12% on 2009 / 10 figures.
Speaking to over 100 CEOs of the UK’s leading investors at UKTI’s Business Summit, British Business Secretary Vince Cable said:
“The UK is rightly proud of what it achieves in exporting ideas and products overseas, but also in bringing new technologies and talent home.
“When a business locates in the UK it can have a positive impact on local jobs and on improving skills across the country. With more overseas companies choosing the UK to set up their headquarters than anywhere else, we are in a good position to capitalise on these opportunities.”
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said:
“Sustained inward investment is crucial in maintaining our economic health, and so we must ensure that the UK remains an attractive place to do business and that foreign investors are aware of what we have to offer.
“FCO and UKTI staff, at our embassies and high commissions overseas, actively champion the UK’s strengths and I hope to see continued investment in the UK as a result.”
Jobs have increased across a range of sectors, including financial services, environmental technologies, e-commerce and software and computer services. The biggest of these increases was 212% in financial services, where London remains the world’s foremost financial centre.
Factfile – 2010/11
• The UK received investments from 54 countries.
• The USA continues to be the largest source of investments, generating 36,424 jobs (a 15% increase from 2009/10)
• Investment from Germany into the UK is rising.
• Australia, the UK’s 7th largest investor this year, generated 4,344 jobs, up 458%.
• India regained its position of the 4th largest investor with project figures up by 5% to 97.
• Spain moved up the ranking to 8th, with projects up by 47% (to 56) and jobs generated up by 116% (to 3,542).
• The UK’s top investors from the Eurozone remain France and Germany, with Switzerland and Italy making significant increases. Swiss projects increased to 45 (up 50%) whilst Italy generated 2,940 jobs (up 210%).
• The UK recorded a 41% increase in Environmental Technologies projects, resulting in 111 projects with 4, 096 associated jobs (up from 1,803).
• Financial Services saw the largest increase in associated jobs, up from 5,450 to 17,004 (a 212% increase).
• In November 2010 the Prime Minister launched ‘Tech City’ in Shoreditch, London, to encourage high value technology investment in the UK. It is now home to over 250 rapidly-growing companies.
Business Quotes
Mr Akio Fukui, CEO of Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe (MPSE), said:
"Being in the UK helps MPSE get closer to our UK and European customers. The UK is committed to having an open and competitive economy, and as an inward investor we were and are made to feel welcome and valued. There continue to be examples that the UK is keen to maintain and enhance its competitive position as a location for FDI, such as; the commitment to reduce corporation tax, taxation on foreign branch offices, and the so called patent box. UK Trade and Investment and Scottish Development International have helped us to understand the local market, access available support, as well as assisting us get the opportunity to showcase our business to relevant areas of Government. "
Mark Elborne, President and CEO of GE UK said:
“The UK is an important region for GE – in fact, it is the next biggest territory for GE outside of the United States. Over the past 10 years we have invested over £14billion in acquisitions in the UK as a result of the high levels of technology expertise, sector knowledge and ground breaking innovation here. The depth of skills and manufacturing tradition in this country are extremely attractive to a company like GE, which explain why we have chosen to locate over a dozen global centres of excellence here - researching, designing, and manufacturing innovative solutions which help to solve some of the biggest environmental and healthcare challenges we face both at home and overseas.”
Graham Lay, Vice President at HP Enterprise Services, said:
"The UK is an important market for HP; home to our largest R&D facility outside the US and the global centre for research on cloud computing and security technologies. The UK is also where we develop and deploy many of HP's most innovative technology solutions for customers, providing British enterprises with the technology required to compete globally. Underpinning this is the need for the UK to have a deep pool of highly skilled people and a positive environment for enterprise and innovation.
HP welcomes the encouragement in the higher education paper for greater collaboration between universities and businesses - such as the partnership HP enjoys with the University of West of England to jointly create and deliver a course on Enterprise Computing. We look forward to the government's forthcoming strategy on research and innovation and are committed to supporting measures that drive deeper links between education and enterprise."
Gary Hendler, CEO and President Eisai Europe Ltd, said:
“The UK has traditionally been an attractive market for life sciences industry investment due to its strong science base, its unique single healthcare system and stable business environment. The UK now however faces challenges for global investment from developing (BRIC) markets and it is vitally important that the UK sustains an attractive business environment to continue to attract investment in a time of limited resources. The UK is making good progress in this direction with research and financial measures, however patient access to innovative new medicines must be ensured to continue to attract investment.
“In 2009 Eisai chose Hatfield in the UK to base its European Knowledge Centre, a £100 million investment in drug discovery, development, management and manufacturing. This investment has been rewarded by the launch of Eisai's first independent oncology product Halaven - first launched in the UK and then the rest of Europe; and the recent submission for marketing authorisation of perampanel, a new class of treatment, discovered and developed by Eisai in the UK, as a treatment for partial-onset seizures in patients with epilepsy.”
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the government department that helps UK-based companies succeed in the global economy. We also help overseas companies bring their high quality investment to the UK’s economy – acknowledged as Europe’s best place from which to succeed in global business.
UKTI offers expertise and contacts through its extensive network of specialists in the UK, and in British embassies and other diplomatic offices around the world. We provide companies with the tools they require to be competitive on the world stage.
Monday, July 11, 2011
“Seven billion actions” for a common future
Lusaka, 11 July 2011, Today marks World Population Day in an important year for the global population–onOctober 31, the world population will reach 7 billion. In the 24 years since the first World Population Day, two billion people have joined the global
community – a remarkable growth considering it took over 150 years for the global population to grow from 1 to 3 billion.
Projections by the United Nations forecast the world’s population to rise to 9.2 billion by 2050.
Here in Zambia, we have seen similar remarkable population growth. Owing in large part to improvements in health care, including access to facilities and essential
medicines, and commensurate declines in infant and under-5 mortality rates, the population has grown from 8 million in 1990 to over 13 million today.
Although the annual population growth rate has been slowly declining, it is still high at 2.8% - each year; the population in Zambia grows by 350,000 people.
With this in mind, World Population Day provides an opportunity to pause and reflect on the remarkable achievements realized in Zambia, by people working together in a spirit of harmony, cooperation, and mutual respect.
“World Population Day seeks to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues, particularly in the context of overall development plans and programmes, and the need to find solutions”, said Mr. Duah Owusu-Sarfo, the United Nation’s Population Fund (UNFPA) representative to Zambia.
“It is also a day when we are reminded of our shared responsibility – to each other and to the land that we share. Although this is a remarkable year for the world’s population, we should not lose focus on the importance of each and every person as individuals.”
Population growth is not in and of itself a bad thing – its effects on development, both positive and negative, should not be exaggerated. What it means is that, for the world as a whole as well as here in Zambia, it is a Duah Owusu-Sarfo, UNFPA Representative(C); Mainga Luwabelwa, Assistant Director of National Planning, Ministry of Finance and National Planning (L); and Mr. Richard Banda, Census Manager,
Central Statistics Office(R)challenge when more people are confronted with the challenges of poverty, disease, and limited freedom of choice.
With a growing population comes an increased demand for access to essential social services – to education, health care, safe water, and sanitation – as well as greater needs for job creation, transportation, agricultural land and infrastructure. A larger population, unless matched by investment in social services,
places greater stresses on our shared natural resources.
A larger community, globally as well as here in Zambia, also provides tremendous potential. Working together, we have unprecedented opportunities to share ideas, unleash human potential, and cooperate toward common outcomes, such as achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). There are more people, with more voices and more hands, to work together to address underlying social and economic
conditions of underdevelopment.
Youth are an important part of the global community – they constitute more than a quarter of the world’s population, with most living in developing countries. In Zambia, there are more youth than ever before-almost half the population is under the age of 15, due to significant improvements in post-natal care.
Owusu-Sarfo said, “We are therefore reminded on World Population Day of the importance of investing in young people. Each and every adolescent deserves to grow up healthy, free of hunger, with access to education, and with decent prospects for employment.”
Investments and improvements in health, especially sexual and reproductive health, as well as in Education (secondary and tertiary), will ensure that youth are
equipped to be a powerful force for Zambia’s future economic growth and prosperity.
With a growing population comes a reminder of the role of girls and women– and of the enormous risks and challenges that they continue to face around the world.
As the sisters, daughters, and mothers of Zambia, girls and women are a powerful transformative voice for the country. Addressing gender equality, including reducing gender based violence and improving opportunities for access to positions of decision-making and economic empowerment, will help ensure the fullest participation of all Zambians in breaking the cycle of poverty.
“If every girl today could stay in school, have the number of children she desires, and live free of gender based violence and discrimination, we would see an end to child marriage, improved health for children and families, and women taking their rightful place in society,” said Owusu-Sarfo. Here in Zambia, it is important
to remember that 591 out of 100,000 mothers die each year while giving birth.
Protecting and promoting reproductive health and rights is critical – concerted action on this will help ensure that Zambia reaches its MDG target for improving maternal health and gender equality thereby the rest of the targets by 2015.
Last June, the United Nations launched the Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health, a $40 billion partnership between a number of UN agencies and key international partners, to build on existing synergies and efforts to accelerate progress on many of the MDGs, including reducing child mortality and improving
maternal health – success in these areas will in turn be a driver for realizing progress on many of the other MDGs.
This year, the 2011 Population Day marks the launch of the UN campaign, “7 Billion Actions” (www.7BillionActions.org), which will highlight how, now more than ever, individuals have the ability and the power to be a force for monumental change.
This is according to a statement by Sirak Gebrehiwot.
community – a remarkable growth considering it took over 150 years for the global population to grow from 1 to 3 billion.
Projections by the United Nations forecast the world’s population to rise to 9.2 billion by 2050.
Here in Zambia, we have seen similar remarkable population growth. Owing in large part to improvements in health care, including access to facilities and essential
medicines, and commensurate declines in infant and under-5 mortality rates, the population has grown from 8 million in 1990 to over 13 million today.
Although the annual population growth rate has been slowly declining, it is still high at 2.8% - each year; the population in Zambia grows by 350,000 people.
With this in mind, World Population Day provides an opportunity to pause and reflect on the remarkable achievements realized in Zambia, by people working together in a spirit of harmony, cooperation, and mutual respect.
“World Population Day seeks to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues, particularly in the context of overall development plans and programmes, and the need to find solutions”, said Mr. Duah Owusu-Sarfo, the United Nation’s Population Fund (UNFPA) representative to Zambia.
“It is also a day when we are reminded of our shared responsibility – to each other and to the land that we share. Although this is a remarkable year for the world’s population, we should not lose focus on the importance of each and every person as individuals.”
Population growth is not in and of itself a bad thing – its effects on development, both positive and negative, should not be exaggerated. What it means is that, for the world as a whole as well as here in Zambia, it is a Duah Owusu-Sarfo, UNFPA Representative(C); Mainga Luwabelwa, Assistant Director of National Planning, Ministry of Finance and National Planning (L); and Mr. Richard Banda, Census Manager,
Central Statistics Office(R)challenge when more people are confronted with the challenges of poverty, disease, and limited freedom of choice.
With a growing population comes an increased demand for access to essential social services – to education, health care, safe water, and sanitation – as well as greater needs for job creation, transportation, agricultural land and infrastructure. A larger population, unless matched by investment in social services,
places greater stresses on our shared natural resources.
A larger community, globally as well as here in Zambia, also provides tremendous potential. Working together, we have unprecedented opportunities to share ideas, unleash human potential, and cooperate toward common outcomes, such as achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). There are more people, with more voices and more hands, to work together to address underlying social and economic
conditions of underdevelopment.
Youth are an important part of the global community – they constitute more than a quarter of the world’s population, with most living in developing countries. In Zambia, there are more youth than ever before-almost half the population is under the age of 15, due to significant improvements in post-natal care.
Owusu-Sarfo said, “We are therefore reminded on World Population Day of the importance of investing in young people. Each and every adolescent deserves to grow up healthy, free of hunger, with access to education, and with decent prospects for employment.”
Investments and improvements in health, especially sexual and reproductive health, as well as in Education (secondary and tertiary), will ensure that youth are
equipped to be a powerful force for Zambia’s future economic growth and prosperity.
With a growing population comes a reminder of the role of girls and women– and of the enormous risks and challenges that they continue to face around the world.
As the sisters, daughters, and mothers of Zambia, girls and women are a powerful transformative voice for the country. Addressing gender equality, including reducing gender based violence and improving opportunities for access to positions of decision-making and economic empowerment, will help ensure the fullest participation of all Zambians in breaking the cycle of poverty.
“If every girl today could stay in school, have the number of children she desires, and live free of gender based violence and discrimination, we would see an end to child marriage, improved health for children and families, and women taking their rightful place in society,” said Owusu-Sarfo. Here in Zambia, it is important
to remember that 591 out of 100,000 mothers die each year while giving birth.
Protecting and promoting reproductive health and rights is critical – concerted action on this will help ensure that Zambia reaches its MDG target for improving maternal health and gender equality thereby the rest of the targets by 2015.
Last June, the United Nations launched the Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health, a $40 billion partnership between a number of UN agencies and key international partners, to build on existing synergies and efforts to accelerate progress on many of the MDGs, including reducing child mortality and improving
maternal health – success in these areas will in turn be a driver for realizing progress on many of the other MDGs.
This year, the 2011 Population Day marks the launch of the UN campaign, “7 Billion Actions” (www.7BillionActions.org), which will highlight how, now more than ever, individuals have the ability and the power to be a force for monumental change.
This is according to a statement by Sirak Gebrehiwot.
"Smart Dora" responds to Masebo
I did not like the reference to me by Sylvia Masebo as I don't need alcohol to speak but I thought her own conscious will help her see her mistake in talking about people and not issues.
That is why I ignored it instead of me attacking her. Lets end these attacks on her and myself and engage in talk and activities that will add value to our lives.
I wish you all and your families God's favour and a good week.
This is according to a message posted on her face book page.
Recently, Chongwe MP, Sylvia Masebo said she has restrained herself from responding to MMD
spokesperson Dora Siliya because half the time she Dora) was drunk.
“Those of us who were brought up in the village are taught that there are certain things a well brought up woman cannot say and do… I will leave the rest to you to judge.
Smart Dora, she is smart to those who think she is.
”Masebo said she has heard a lot of trash from Dora about accusations of information leakages from the party but decided to make a difference by avoiding quarrels with her because it was cheap and unnecessary.
That is why I ignored it instead of me attacking her. Lets end these attacks on her and myself and engage in talk and activities that will add value to our lives.
I wish you all and your families God's favour and a good week.
This is according to a message posted on her face book page.
Recently, Chongwe MP, Sylvia Masebo said she has restrained herself from responding to MMD
spokesperson Dora Siliya because half the time she Dora) was drunk.
“Those of us who were brought up in the village are taught that there are certain things a well brought up woman cannot say and do… I will leave the rest to you to judge.
Smart Dora, she is smart to those who think she is.
”Masebo said she has heard a lot of trash from Dora about accusations of information leakages from the party but decided to make a difference by avoiding quarrels with her because it was cheap and unnecessary.
TWO MORE MMD BIG WIGS TO DEFECT
More defections from the MMD of high profiled members is looming. watch this space......
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