Poland builds trade ties with South Africa and Zambia

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk (R) takes a tour with Max Sisulu (C), Speaker of the National Assembly, in the National Assembly building of the South African parliament in Cape Town, 18 October. Photo: EPA/Nic Bothma

The Polish leader will meet with President Michael Sata and Trade and Industry Minister Felix Mutati, in an effort to strengthen trading ties with the country.

Zambia is currently among the fastest growing economies in the world, and the GDP there has grown at a rate of about 7 percent per year since 2005.

Polish exports to Zambia in 2012 amounted to 6 million US dollars, some seven times greater than in 2008.

From 2011 to 2012 alone, Polish exports to the country doubled.

Tusk's delegation to South Africa and Zambia includes a number of Polish business leaders from the mining, transport, defence, construction and home furnishings industries, among others.

The copper industry plays a key part in the economies of both Zambia and Poland, presenting opportunities for cooperation in this sphere.

Meetings with Polish missionaries

On Sunday, Prime Minister Tusk visited an orphanage run by Polish nuns in the locality of Kasisi.

About 250 children suffering from AIDs and other illnesses are accommodated at the site.

Tusk congratulated staff, noting that at Kasisi and similar sites, Polish missionaries “are doing magnificent work that builds up our country's reputation.”

At present, there are over 100 Polish missionaries in Zambia. (nh)

Source: PAP