LUSAKA, March 14 (Xinhua) -- Egypt said Wednesday that it is seeking increased economic cooperation with Zambia in various sectors.

Egypt has put forward a policy of promoting investment in Africa and Zambia is one of the countries identified, said Egyptian Ambassador to Zambia Ahmed Mostafa.

Ahead of a visit by a business delegation from the Federation of Egypt Industries (FEI) to Zambia on March 17-20, the Egyptian envoy said the visit will boost cooperation and strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries, and result in a transfer of technology and skills.

The delegation, comprised of more than 15 companies in various industries, will not only look for cooperation in import and export services, but also for such investment opportunities as joint partnerships, said the envoy.

A business-to-business forum, he added, will be held, with a memorandum of understanding signed between Egyptian industries and the Zambia Chambers of Commerce and Industry to enhance cooperation.

The FEI is one of Egypt's largest employers' associations, with 20 industrial chambers as members. It represents over 60,000 industrial enterprises of which more than 90 percent belong to the private sector, accounting for more than 7 million workers and 20 percent of the national economy.