LUSAKA, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Zambia and Kuwait on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) which involves partnering in the training of human resources in the aviation industry.
The MOU has been signed by the Southern Africa Institute of Science and Technology from Zambia and the College of Aviation and Technology from Kuwait.
Fredrick Mwalusaka, the permanent secretary in Zambia's Ministry of Transport and Logistics, said the signing of the MOU is significant for Zambia as it will reduce the cost of providing training and foster the transfer of technical expertise to local trainees.
"This occasion is significant for us as aviation training is one of the key factors that dictate success in the industry. However, this training has been quite expensive as it has been accessed outside the country," he said.
The MOU will also enrich the aviation industry training in various programs, said the official, adding that the attainment of qualifications in various programs will open up exciting career paths for the students.
He thanked the government of Kuwait for supporting the College of Aviation and Technology to partner with the Zambian institution and hoped that Kuwait will introduce more services in Zambia in the aviation training sector.
AbdulRazzak M AL Mahmoud, the chairman of the College of Aviation and Technology of Kuwait, said his institution is happy to provide aviation training in Zambia.
He also said the college, which has been providing aviation training for the past 70 years with the approval of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), is looking at more cooperation with Zambia beyond providing training.
Mafunase Malenga, the managing director of the Zambian college, said the partnership will allow the college to tap into ICAO training and expand the training base.
She said the MOU is an indication of the determination of the college to develop and contribute to the expansion of the aviation industry in the country.
The partnership, she added, will result in cost reduction for the industry players. ■