By 
Zambia and Malaysia are exploring opportunities to strengthen cooperation in rural development and local governance through technical assistance, capacity building and institutional exchanges.
The proposed collaboration is expected to focus on improving rural infrastructure, promoting community empowerment and strengthening public service delivery.
According to a statement issued on Saturday, the discussions followed a meeting between Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary (Administration) Gabriel Pollen and a Malaysian delegation led by Secretary General of the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, Dato Ahmad, in Lusaka.
Read more: UK pledges more investment, partnerships to support Zambia’s growth agenda
Pollen said the two countries shared development priorities centred on improving livelihoods through effective governance and inclusive development.
He said Zambia was interested in drawing lessons from Malaysia’s experience in rural infrastructure development, local economic development and balanced regional growth.
Pollen said Malaysia’s institutional arrangements, policy interventions and practical approaches could offer valuable lessons for strengthening Zambia’s rural development programmes.
He said there was considerable potential for cooperation, adding that the discussions provided an opportunity to identify practical areas of mutual benefit.
In her remarks, Ahmad reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Zambia and expressed interest in establishing formal institutional linkages between the two ministries.
She said cooperation should go beyond information sharing to include practical initiatives such as technical assistance, capacity-building programmes, study visits and exchanges of innovative approaches to rural and regional development.
The two parties agreed to maintain communication to advance the proposed areas of cooperation and support sustainable rural transformation in both countries.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments