By VPPS

Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka has urged Great Lakes region countries to spur the economies of smaller states.

Kalonzo said countries like Bujumbura and Rwanda emerged from conflict recently.

He said the countries needed to invest in peace and foster national unity as a pre-requisite for creating an environment that would attract foreign investments.

‘‘We must therefore work towards the attainment of sustainable growth and development of member states by promoting macro-economic policies, programmes, and joint ventures in all fields of economic activities,’’ he said, when he addressed the donor table conference for the Great Lakes Region in Bujumbura, Burundi, on Friday.

Kalonzo also called for cross border investments and joint research initiatives. This, he said, would help develop the manufacturing capacity of all the countries in the Great Lakes.

The VP congratulated the people of Burundi for their progress since the signing of the final peace agreement leading to the integration into government of rebels. He called for transparent and fair elections next year in Burundi.

Zambian President Rupia Banda, who is also the chairman of the conference, called for greater involvement of the international community in the development of the Great Lake Region.

Host President Pierre Nkurunzinza thanked the regional leaders for the support in helping to bring stability in the region.