Visit of Malawi’s Ambassador

LOMMEL, Belgium, April 10 (The European Times) – Malawi’s Ambassador to the European Union H.E. Dr. Brave R. Ndisale met with the Mayor of Lommel Peter Vanvelthoven and President of the Big Media Group Thieu Cuypers on Thursday, saying that her visit to the Flemish city and producer of quartz sand (white sand) is successful and she is fully confident of the future of relations between Malawi and Belgium.

The Ambassador and the Mayor discussed the wealth of opportunities in green energy that exist both for Lommel and for Malawi, a country rich in agriculture that bears tremendous potential for renewable energy. As of this moment, 80% of Malawi is rural farms. Its resources are just waiting to be explored. The potential for renewable energy production is tremendous in Malawi, particularly in the area of bio-fuel, where agro-waste could be recycled into clean, pure energy. It is in this area that Lommel, a city that is almost entirely run on renewable energy can introduce its tremendous pure energy initiatives.

Visit of Malawi’s Ambassador

Located in the province of Limburg and in the North of Belgium, Lommel has green energy powered by gearboxes for wind power. Aspiravi, a pure energy company with operations in Lommel produces the turbines for Lommel’s windmills. In addition, Lommel recycles potato peels by fermenting up to 150,000 tons of the agricultural waste into bio energy. Until recently, Lommel was known for its sand mines, since sand can be made into thin 2mm pieces of glass used in Lommel’s state-of-the-art solar panels. Another company located in Lommel is Ducatt, a spin-off of Emgo, a market leader in the manufacturing of high quality drawn and blown glass with more than 45 years of experience.

Lommel prides itself on generating the most green energy of any city in Belgium.  The municipality ranks fourth in attracting tourists, just behind Bruges. Furthermore, Lommel generates prosperity through its numerous thriving stores, its beautiful glass museum and its annual statue carnival. Lommel truly is a city to discover and stands as an example to all countries around the world that are seeking renewable, clean energy and sustainable industry.

Visit of Malawi’s Ambassador

During the day-long visit, Ambassador was especially impressed by the Flemish Centre for Contemporary Glass Art, a stunning glass tower that functions as an exhibition room for different collections of glass works by contemporary artists.  The Ambassador also witnessed first the art of hand glass making.

The Government of Malawi seeks to promote and maintain sound bilateral and multilateral relations for advancement of interests of the country. In a true spirit of partnership, the primary focus is to bring to the fore investment and tourism opportunities.