LUSAKA, April 15 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government said that the upgraded rating by an international rating agency was a sign that the country's efforts to develop the economy were getting the necessary international attention.

Fitch Rating has upgraded the country's Long-term Local Currency Issuer Default Rating from "CC" to "CCC".

The rating agency said the upgrade was a sign that the government has continued to service its local debt and has made no indication that it plans to include domestic debt in any potential debt restructuring.

It adds that this also means an eventual restructuring of external debt could improve the overall public finance position and support local-currency debt sustainability.

Chief Government Spokesperson Dora Siliya said on Wednesday it was gratifying that the upgrading of the country was coming at a time when copper prices at the international market had hit an all-time high.

"It is like God has answered our prayer, we have this positive rating which should improve our country's perception but the price of copper is also good. All this is giving us hope that our country's economy was taking a positive upward trajectory," she said in a statement.

She however said it was important for citizens to enhance the recognition by the rating agency by projecting a positive image of the strides the country was making. Enditem

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