ZAMBIAN companies should produce more local products to compete on the international market after being tested, says Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS) Executive Director, Manuel Mutale.
Mr Mutale said for industrialization to thrive in the country, local products must compete favourably on the international market.
He said industrialization was an anchor of national development and for local products to meet both local and international standards, products must be tested and certified by the bureau.
He said this when he called on North-Western Province Permanent Secretary, Willies Mangimela in Solwezi .
“We are here in the province to engage our stakeholders so that they can understand the different roles performed by the bureau of standards. Because we also regulate, industries are a bit scared to come to us,” Mr Mutale said.
Mr Mutale said with the operationalization of the African continental free trade area, Zambia should explore the international market, especially that the local market has been satisfied. “The goods that we produce should not only meet the local standards but also international. That is why we are going round the provinces to engage the business community, particularly the small and medium entrepreneurs,” Mr Mutale said. And Mr Mangimela said the region was experiencing a lot of economic activities of which stakeholder engagement is required
“Engage these farmers in the province and give them tips on how to go about their products because right now Zambia is not only looking at satisfying the local market but international as well,” Mr Mangimela said.
He called on ZABS to take interest in the Industrial Development Cooperation fruit factory in Mwinilunga district which involves out grower farmers in pineapple and other fruits processing.
Mr Mangimela further urged the bureau to advise farmers on how to make their products competitive. – ZANIS
