KOLKATA: Zambia expects to access a $40 million line of credit from India soon for farm mechanisation, a diplomat of the southern African country said on Monday.

"We expect to access a $40 million line of credit from Indian government soon for farm mechanisation. It is in an advanced stage," said Acting High Commissioner H Sikapale Chinzewe.

"There is huge potential in Zambian agriculture sector. About 58 per cent of land is arable and 14 per cent of it is being utilised," he said at an event - 'Doing Business with Zambia' organised by MCC Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Zambia has already accessed a $50 million line of credit from Indian government for setting 650 health posts (clinic) in its rural areas, he said. In addition, the African country received a grant of $5 million for projects in health, education and social sectors, he said.

In order to boost tourism in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana, these four south African countries developed a system where tourists can move freely among these countries with a single visa.

"We have prepared a unique visa system which enables tourists to move around in the four countries with a single visa. Tourists' footfalls rose by 25 per cent in the region of four countries after implementing the system," said Namunda Lubinda Mwitumwa, Second Secretary (Immigration) in the Zambian High Commission.

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