Govt, private sector partnership propel industrial growth-Mwanakatwe

Thu, 06 Apr 2017 10:20:53 +0000

BY MAILESI BANDA

GOVERNMENT is seeking increased private sector participation to propel industrial growth, Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry Margret Mwanakatwe has said.

The minister said there was need for the Government and the private sector to work together in enhancing economic growth.

Speaking when she launched the second Zambia public private dialogue, Ms Mwanakatwe said the platform was an opportunity to interact and get first-hand information on issues affecting the private sector.

She commended the initiative, saying it would encourage and promote economic growth.

“My request is that during this deliberation you look at the benefits of being a member of COMESA,in in doing so you may wish to focus on finding comprehensive solutions to obstacles to trade that include defining the right infrastructure policies procedures and capacity building to facilitate trade and promote regional growth, “she said.

She said Government was working with stakeholders in developing and implementing polices and measures that would reduce the cost of doing business in Zambia.

She said thee plans included increased investments, facilitating trade, encouraging citizen’s participation in the economic affairs and improve the competitiveness in the economy.

And COMESA assistant secretary general Kipyego Cheluget said they had adopted an SME policy and industrialization policy which sought to ensure the growth of the local business and regional supply chains.

He urged the business community to take advantage of the arrangement and ensure they maximize the benefits of the free trade area.

He appealed to Government to work together with the private sector to develop the national economy and industry.

Meanwhile, COMESA Business Council chief executive officer Sandra Uwera said there was great potential for the maximizing of regional markets and growing the local industries through development and participation in the regional supply chain.

She said the Zambian private sector was amongst the best performing in the Southern African region.

She explained that this was due to relatively good business polices a proven track record of peace and security and maturing public institutions.