Mon, 28 Nov 2016 20:17:13 +0000
SOUTHERN Province minister Edify Hamukale says Zambia needs to come up with a strong policy aimed at creating a favourable market for all players in the economy in order to trigger economic growth.
Dr. Hamukale said the aim of the policy was not to hinder business growth but to create a condusive market environment for all players in the economy.
‘‘We appreciate that the purpose of coming up with the competition policy is not to hinder business growth but to facilitate efficient allocation of resources to maximize consumer welfare by means of sourcing an open and competitive environment,’’ he said in a speech read on his behalf by Southern Province permanent secretary Simuchoba Sibanze during the official opening of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission office in Livingstone.
Dr Hamukale disclosed that Government was committed in ensuring that the market participants in the economy were trading on a level playing field by making sure that the markets were fair as guided by the Competition and Consumer Protection Policy.
He said the inter-relationships between competition law and other Government policies such as competition protection were an important catalyst to economic development and betterment of the livelihoods of the Zambian people.
Dr Hamukale emphasized the need for the media to sensitize and educate members of the public on consumer rights.
He said the media has a crucial role to play in sensitizing and educating members of the public on consumer rights.
‘‘The media’s channels are powerful tools for promoting behavioral change as well as blow the whistle on anti-competitive business practices,’’ he said.
CCPC executive director Chilufya Sampa said consumer awareness was critical in the enforcement of consumer protection. -Millennium Radio 90.5FM
