Deliver on commitments, Mutati tells donors

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MMD Lunte Member of Parliament Felix Mutati has urged donor countries and development partners to deliver on their commitments to Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Mr Mutati was speaking at a panel discussion organized by the UN Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

Mr Mutati expressed concern that the official development assistance delivered to LDCs was lower than the commitments pledged.

The parliamentarian also urged LDCs to tap into local entrepreneurship talent, which he said was in abundance.

Mr Mutati also called on Least Developed Countries to foster regional integration and elimination of bureaucracy at borders to enhance trade.

He said improving the taxation systems and establishing facilities like One-Border-Posts would reduce transaction costs for LDCs.

Other panelists at the discussion held at UN Headquarters in New York were Bangladesh Minister of Finance Abul Maal Muhith, Rwanda’s Finance and Economic Planning Minister Claver Gatete and Bond for International Development head of policy and public affairs Ms Joanna Rea.

The panelists emphasized the need to strengthen effectiveness of development cooperation and delivery of development results in LDCs.

This is contained in a statement issued to QFM News by First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at Zambia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Chibaula Silwamba.