Government to establish measures that ensure that loans are repaid under the CEEC program-Sichinga

Trade and Industry Minister, Bob Sichinga has warned that government will put up stringent measures to ensure that those who access loans under the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission pay back.

Mr Sichinga has observed that a number of beneficiaries of the loans did not payback the revolving fund to allow others access the loans.

He says government will not tolerate a situation where people do not payback what they owe government.

Mr. Sichinga says the CEEC fund is supposed to be a revolving fund which should benefit others.

He said this when he addressed the business community in Chipata district Saturday morning.

Mr Sichinga has emphasized that entrepreneurs who intend to access the loans under CEEC should undergo training so that they can properly manage their businesses.

Meanwhile, Government has sought support from the world trade organization in its quest to open up industries in all the districts.

Commerce minister Robert Sichinga says the industrial clusters will supplement the multi economic zones at provincial level.

Mr. Sichinga says the multimillion dollar project could create jobs and wealth for people in line with the patriotic front’s manifesto.

The minister was speaking when he officiated at an investment forum as part of the 2013 UNWTO preparatory activities at Livingstone Chrisma Hotel.

Mr. Sichinga has also clarified that the 90 day PF development strategy was just a time frame to roll out development activities.

And tourism minister Sylvia Masebo says government wants the UNWTO to benefit the local people and the business community.

Ms. Masebo has called for active participation in preparatory works for the UNWTO event to be co-hosted by Zambia and Zimbabwe in August next year.

Scores of local and international investors have turned up for the one day investment forum.

ZNBC