By Eunice Disi Lole

Lilongwe, May 3, Mana: President Dr Lazarus Chakwera Friday morning left for the United States of America (USA) to attend the US-Africa Business Summit which will be held from May 6 to 7, 2024 in Dallas, Texas.

In an interview at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA), Chakwera described the summit as critical saying it is going to give chance to Malawian and American business people to enter into business agreements.

“I am happy that, as a country, we can benefit from American investment just like we already are. I look forward to this summit because I believe that our Agriculture, Tourism and Marketing (ATM) Strategy can be boosted by Americans coming over to help us through partnerships,” said Chakwera.

In addition to partnerships, the summit will provide an opportunity for Malawi to court foreign direct investments into its economy and the post disaster response plan that was launched few days ago.

Apart from the summit, Chakwera will also hold bilateral talks with various leaders in the US Government and business community.

The talks will focus on strengthening Malawi-USA cooperation in the achievement of Malawi’s economic self-reliance through substitution of imports and aid for the export and trade value added products in line with Malawi 2063 which  includes; the capitalization of the ATM Strategy towards wealth creation, job creation and food security and the promotion of Malawi’s fight against corruption through strong law enforcement agencies that execute their constitutional mandate without political interference from local or foreign powers.

The President and the First Lady, Madame Monica Chakwera, were seen off by Vice President Dr, Saulosi Chilima, cabinet ministers and other senior government officials.

Chakwera, will from USA pass through Nairobi, Kenya where he is expected to address the Africa Fertilizer and Soil Summit on May 9, is expected to return to the country through KIA on May 10.