President Levy Mwanawasa challenged the West to match Chinese investment in Zambia on Tuesday, saying Western countries had let country down. Mwanawasa said Zambia would carry on welcoming Chinese investment, credit and loans despite domestic political opposition and unease in the West over the pace of China’s drive to boost economic ties with Africa.
“Those who oppose Chinese investment … all they need to do is to equal the help we are getting from China. We only turned to the East when you people in the West let us down,” Mwanawasa told Reuters on the sidelines of an African business forum.
“Give us the same or more cooperation we are getting from China and you will see that we are friends,” he said.
China is pursuing a strategy of tapping African raw materials to feed its economic growth, in exchange for grants and unconditional loans to the world’s poorest continent.
Zambia said last month China had boosted its planned investment to $900 million in the Zambia’s mineral-rich Copperbelt over the next four years.
“The good thing is that I know of no strings that are attached to Chinese investment,” said Mwanawasa.
China’s increasing involvement in Africa has raised concerns among Western companies that they will be squeezed out of the race for Africa’s mineral and energy deposits.
Eyebrows are also being raised in Western political circles at China’s rising influence in the populous continent.
Some within Zambia oppose Chinese investment. Workers at a Chinese-owned copper mine in Zambia rioted over pay last year and the main opposition Patriotic Front party has accused the government of selling out to Beijing.
Mwanawasa dismissed talk of domestic opposition to China: “The opposition in Zambia oppose anything.”
Chinese businesses have already invested more than $6 billion in Africa and are engaged across sectors from energy and mining to construction, infrastructure and textiles.
Some Western companies are hamstrung by their bankers who balk at the potential risks of doing business in a continent with a poor record on corporate governance.
Mwanawasa, who in a speech to the business forum stressed the need to root out graft, dismissed allegations his government’s anti-corruption campaign was a political witch hunt against his predecessor Frederick Chiluba.
Chiluba, who says he is the target of a witch hunt, is to stand trial on corruption charges on August 14, accused of stealing $488,000 in state funds while ruling the southern African nation from 1991 to 2001.
The case has been stalled since May 2006 due to concerns about his health.
“Chiluba is a very close friend of mine … there is no reason whatsoever why we should want to purge” the country of his supporters, said Mwanawasa.
He said he had offered Chiluba an olive branch — that he could repay 70 percent of what he had allegedly stolen and receive a pardon but Chiluba had rejected the proposal.
Iwe chuchu (LPM) ulevoka ati ma western countries to devlp Zed te? its not their role but the Zed govt to do so. Plz take away ama “chang cheng chung” from zed. they have destroyed zed tez? Chuchu you need to grow in thinking to match with your body nokuba mature kwati ni ba sata bakwata good thinking.
Zambians wake up China has done good things for Zambia among us the Tazara railway. The oil pipeline from Dar saalem. Zambia needs cooperation partners who will do 50-50 business were both sides benefit. China is doing this but we have to work hard and recollect one two more things. First the minerals taxes cannot be at zero they should be raised between zero and 25%. Taxes are the biggest revenue of any nation we can afford to give out handouts to foreign investors. Remember minerials are waste assets they dont last for ever so there is need to safeguard our natural resources in such a way that Zambians profit. Dr. Kaunda gave China copper in turn they built infrastractures which are still in use today. Zambians are still profiting today. On the other hand labour laws must be observed, payments should be reasonable and condition of services should be improved. Government should not sit and say its between the employers and employee other wise the labour ministry you be abolished.
Guys, you can not be contributing on average 20 blogs per topic. Why? Does it mean you don’t have ideas to these topics? Consider the time we were participating before we withdrew because of insults. The average had risen to 100 blogs per topic. Please try to contribute more. We are enjoying reading your contributions from the back ground. regards
As Zambians, we need to critically analyse the investment we are getting from the Chinese.what type of infrastructuer have they set up.these people are associated with poor quality in all that they manufacture.Who can proudly stand up with their heard high and announce that am wearing chinese designs.few people. why? becuase they are not assorciated with quality.I dnt think these are the type of investors zambia needs.
Chinese investment into Zambia is not a problem,but the quality of investment and the benefit the Zambian get.We dont want FOKONG type of investment in Zambia.We appreciate investment which is credible.China has double standard type of investment,quality and FOKONG.Quality,they invest in the USA and developed nations,and they bring us substandard investments agreements that will squeeze and ripoff Zambians .
Please LPM,SHOW us by bringing companies that will build our economy and will last another 100 years.In all your investment agreements,think of Zambians at HOME.
#2,wake up plz. gone are the days when china was china. plz come back home and see who these chang cheng chung has destroyed the zed. next time talk within not from without, otherwise you will be mutetema.
gk i salute your thinking, now you are welcome into our club.
Plz Chuchu (LPM)alemona kwati abana zed changalilo te? dont sell zed kuma foreigners ala nishi twacula sana ngefi tulecula fyacepa.
Naya bane kuma order.
Bravo LPM.WE NEED HELP TO DEVELOP ZAMBIA. and a good father will not stay at home waching his children starving because he cant find a better job. If sweeping the floor will put food on the table for the kids,then do it.THATS WHAT LPM IS DOING, and if one deos not like it, give him better optionS and see if he truly cares for his kids(zambia).DONT BLAME LEVY HIS DOING HIS BEST,the question is; “WHAT ARE YOU DOING #1?”
#7 am trying harder to bring sanity muli your idol chuchu apo talaonaula zed. any mwaice you have your own opinion but think also the otherside of a coin. what chuchu must do first is to protect local industries na safety mumachito. ala bwafya bwekabweka pakusanga ifyo umwina zed alechula pa $1.
#7 am trying harder to bring sanity muli your idol chuchu apo talaonaula zed. anyway, mwaice you have your own opinion but think also the otherside of a coin. what chuchu must do first is to protect local industries na safety mumachito. ala bwafya bwekabweka pakusanga ifyo umwina zed alechula pa $1.
Tazara and Tazama Pipeline are a plus by the Chinese partners. However, China mine safety record is the worst world over. Therefore investment in mines must be given a second thought
And you #7 what are doing yourself? Dont just praise for the sake of praising. Dont you know Chang Cheng Chong do not respect any our local labour laws. Our pipo who are working for them are slaves of the model world. Pls wake up, u and Chuchu.
#11, its good to have pipo like pink on the blog. mwaice pink i give you 5 thumps up. ama chang cheng chong nibakabola benebene. they are taking raw material from zed and bring expensive finished goods. By the way where is the stadium they promised to construct? mwanona te? ubufi nabo nipamushi. chuchu tell your counterpart to start something on stadium.
Manchita# 7,thats a wrong concept bra,the world economy has expanded so much that we as Zambia can not afford this Mickey mouse investments.Zambia needs over haul economical resustation.We need world stage policies like Brazil,southAfrica,South Korea and India.We need policies that will go down and be felt positively to a Zambian on the border between Zambia and Tanzania(remote)
Lets not talk about investments in figures like late Penza used to say,we need tangible investment,Franchised foreign companies reputable should come invest together with Zambian people and probably bring in their top management.
cant finish this coming back,duty calling sorry
yangua #gk13. how would you talk without figures as a guide line for the project. ifi chimo nokukula ingandu without measure nokuyipima available material. mwaice be practical in talking not like chuchu (LPM). i like your point but they are very very weak.
the onus is on Zambians through law,regulation and particularly enforcement to ensure only the right type of investment is allowed. Chun Chwi nangu Umubooga tabapusana. They all want our natural resources and when they have exhausted it they will move onto the next source !!! We have to make sure that upon their exit we have something tangible to show for it. Bushe do our lawmakers have the vision and collective intellect to ensure our existence when our resources run out?? Abena Dubai have realised their oil will run out…..look at what they doing to turn the tiny emirate into a tourist and financial centre !! they won’t need oil for a booming economy well before the oil runs out. We need to exercise our vote to ensure progressive and forward thinking law and policy makers.Ba posa mabwe have no place in this modern and dynamic environment.
These chang cheng chong are quacks, they have come in forms, doctors, miners, bakeries and so on. Look at their so called surgeries they are very dirty and their medicines are fake, sometimes they give expired ones. Elyo bafwisafye amata ici fwise fwise mu fipatala fyebo. Pls Chuchu slow down in bringing this chang cheng chong in our country. One day these swindlers will tell over our sweet zambia.
This is probably the first sensible speech I have heard or read from LPM. The West (waste) is so critical of China’s involvement in Africa without offering any alternatives to African economic development. When any economic solutions come from the Waste, it is in form of Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP – I call it Spoil and Plunder)….I know how you feel about these three words. If you have noticed, the most corrupt dealings that African leaders have is with the so called Western Countries (look at Chiluba or any other corrupt leader’s dealings). Read the confessions of an Economic Hitman – John Perkins, and you will see or realise how negative Western “investment” has been to Africa and the Third World – ever read ‘How Europe Under Developed Africa – by Walter Rodney? I would rather have Chinese investment than deceitful Western Investment aimed at destabilising African and Third World economies.
shame on you zambia! you think you can develop on handouts? first you have to learn to take care of your business. No amount of donar money will ever develop zambia if the money gets channelled into politians pockects. live with the poverty and learn from it!
what I meant on #13 was,LPM OR who ever should not say investors have promised 10 billion USD INVEST OVER SUCH A PERIOD,what we want is actaul investment,come in Zambia,build steel industry,build motor assembly industry,build clothing industry build roads,trums,monorails,canals,food processing plants and safe guard these industries by regulating tough import rules.Its much more commitment and tough talking to investors not only yes yes,who ever wants to invest let the come with time chart and they should measured on world class standard on their investments,tax exemption abash.
Sanity starts with oneself#8.In life there must be a starting point.LPM has a starting point and now the world has seen chinas reasons for investing in our nation.Zambia is rich in its self,but without the world seeing its potentio its a poor nation.Chinas investment policies are the waste in the world,but the west is now getting interested in us due to the little invetment china has made in our country.YES people are being treated badly,my point is you improve on something, not nothing.Let us cry at the poor conditions not at what they invest(on this am not talking of the chines who have opened shops,restraunts,etc) in mean multi million dollars investments.#11 pink; who is to blame if our labour laws are not followed by the investers? you or the invester? BE WISE GUYS AT LOOK AT REALITY.
#19 gk, plz just chut up with your scanty ideas. just go and write sup exams in economics 100.we kakopowe ka gk.
#19 ka Joze niwebo,you are silly,cant contribute, you are a dull,missing alot in life.living in hiding and scared like a rat.Which ever company you work for if they catch you using the net facility baba,you are gone,back to the streets.Challenge points we-nkoko we.
ASS LICKING KULI KAFUPI destroyed your minds.Change your MANO.
On #19 its you gk who wrote not Ba Jose, so who are u insulting, yourself of course.
Zambia is a very blessed country and we do not necessarily need every Jim and Jack that purports to be a foreign investor coming in to reap us off whilst we stand by and watch.We have to remember that when there was a shortage of public transportation, we did not need foreign investors to sort that out for us but all the govt. the did was give Zambians the tax incentives(no duty for a year) and we saw an influx of buses in the country.There`s arguably over a million Zambians in the Diaspora and if the govt. was to create incentives to attract them to invest home results would be there for all to see.Waive tax and duty on all imported manufacturing equipment and see how the manufacturing industry will boom and the tax base for the govt will increase.My point is that Zambians can rise to the challenge if they see whats`s in it for them.
#22 gk
My first respond is a pray:
mwe Jehova lesa mukulu, moneni ipanga ifyo shaloba. Lekeni imfumu Yesu Kristu iyi mumitima shesu nokuba bantunse. My Lord is my shepard in him I will dwell in lightnous and become victor of all evil acts. God my Lord hear my prayer.
Amen.
gk avoid insela if someone does agree with your ideas. thats what we call debate tata, walashani? Well, am in queque right now kuma order, inkapula zed mailo.gk be a good citizen and a modern citizen and leka INSELE PLZ.
#22 gk
My first respond is a pray:
mwe Jehova lesa mukulu, moneni ipanga ifyo shaloba. Lekeni imfumu Yesu Kristu ingile mumitima shesu nokuba bantunse. My Lord is my shepard in him I will dwell in lightnous and become victor of all evil acts. God my Lord hear my prayer.
Amen.
gk avoid insela if someone doesnt agree with your ideas. thats what we call debate tata, walashani? Well, am in queque right now kuma order, inkapula zed mailo.gk be a good citizen and a modern citizen and leka INSELE PLZ.
No African president has ever challenged the Western governments. It is only our own LPM who has the guts. He is the only president in Afica who managed to condemn the stupidity that is happening in Zimbabwe. This is the reason us The Elite will always support his progressive ideas. Viva Icihibumba. Viva Limota. Viva The Wall. Viva our only real Zambian President.
Chinese are all over the world so even anyone thinks we can do without them is cheating himself. All what we need to make polices that protect the rights of the Zambians in such a way that they benefit. Remember you cant eat copper, steal, zinc etc you need consumers, a market where to sell your resources. Plz take your time and think what is go for Zambia. We have to fight expliotation and humilations of workers. China has not plundered the Zambian resources but the west have done so for the past 500 years. Its good to have a competitors because we can have the right to choose. Our friend in south America because of mistrust from the west the formed a South american bank, they will reduce IMF and World bank borrowings. These are the instruments africa need. Every western country is talking of development aid there is nothing like this what she should know is there is only Dependence Aid. The west will always use this loopholes in the name of hunger, sickness. We need to seal them all
Debate is not about bad mouth,its contribution.You get what you ask for.Contribute theN i SHOULD CHALLENGE,VISE VERSA.
If anything we all want onething in Zambia,good jobs,health and a good life at the end of the day.
“The good thing is that I know of no strings that are attached to Chinese investment,†said Mwanawasa.
THE PRESIDENT IS NAÃVE. HOW SAD.
#25 & 26, Just prayers alone will not solve problems. God helps those who help themselves. We first to develop policies to avoid investors milking Zambia. A good example is the Arabic world. They have good policies to attract investments at the same time have controls and regulations. What I would like to see is a policy from the govt on improvements in Education, Health and Agriculture. If these sectors are developed, there will be significant impact in the country. I think we should invite ministers who run key minitries on this blog and ask them questions on the govt policies. May be our comments and suggestions will make them see light at the end of the tunnel. Do you all agree?
You Zedians Just woke up and smell the coffee. China is the country to be friendly to. They are overatking the west and even buying debts of the USA. Come on, the west are just jeleous and losing their influence. Sata is cashing up on this West-China re-scramble for Africa. Vava China, Viva Zambia. I would rather deal with the chinese than to corrupt Westerners who have joined hands in robbing us with foolish govts and leaders like Chiluba, Mobutu, and the list is endless.
Good points are raised above, but most of them are overly idealistic. To attract steel plants and other mega industries and all the talk about stiff import and investmenet rules! Thats precisely how NOT to attract investment in the first place. Good luck.
Globalization is leading to massive losses even in big economies like the US because capital is mobile and will go where the returns are best. I think people are being realistic by targeting grade C chinese manufacturing.
Further, Zambia and Africa still need help-alot. It would take us 60-100 years to attain middle-income status from own resources– even under the best imaginable governance scenario, and this is a big assumption. The shorter route is better trade and grants from the west and from china.
Levy is just trying to get mileage from the G8. He knows which countries are pouring in their money to fight disease and poverty.
Chapi good point. The government of Zambia upto now dont realise that the BIGGEST potential foreign investor they have is the Zambians in Diaspora. Lets look at some hard facts and numbers if the bank of Zambia creates a facility to facilitate direct investment from (ZID) Zambians in diaspora, we talking 1 million people and i’m sure we can all afford a $50.00 Monthly investment. that comes to $50M X 12 Months = $600,000,000.00 a year. Mexico has come to that conclusion and they encourage their citizens to come to USA because its a huge forex earner for the country. Now with $600M a year the government will have no need to be pleading with China or the west for stupid loans. What we need is you people who are in Zambia start talking to the MPs. right now 1 in 2 families in Zambia has a family member in diaspora. and they manage to send some money to support their families. but that is consumption we need to invest. Right now the line at west union is longer than the line @ ZANACO.
Easy(28),Chapi(24),Mulenga(31)and Francis (33)and hopefully many others yet to comment are making these exchanges of ideas a worthwhile read.It is heartening to see reason and intellect eclipsing the somewhat shallow minded and mediocre contributions that have featured since 12:46pm today.
SAGE, dream on. I doubt if Zambia has over 1million Economic refuges overseas. 1in2 is an over estimation.
This maybe common in some secluded section of the country where migration is common as pipo in these areas have very little attachment and easily abandons their mobile life to go to Europe, USA or wherever they hear the drums playing.
It is quite progressive for LPM to challenge the West to “equal the help we are getting from China”. However, why is it a Zambian mentality that these people are helping u?How can they be helping us when they are the winners in this partnership?We need to change this mentality.Zambia will only achieve meaningful dev.if,as a country,we institute policies that will enhance both local and foreign investment.Otherwise,these countries will continue to perpetuate the dependency syndrome.#24 and #34 have provided unequivocal analogies which would give ideas to our leaders.Zambia needs to work out a way of capturing data regarding it’s citizens living abroad so that the MOF can track GNP adequately.We also need practical incentives to invest in Zambia not just lip service that the economy has improved.Further,we need to check the tax breaks given to these investors.They also need to appreciate our labour laws and values.We do not need sub-standard investments.Build new infrastructure pliz
#36 HK, it is your perception that people living abroad are Economic refugees that clouds your reasoning ability.You need to look at us as ingenius people aiming to improve our lives.In this vain,we are saying,we have been exposed enough to life abroad that we can make meaningful contributions to our country’s economy.Otherwise,we can simply shut our eyes and ears and continue living outside.We care about our country that is why we are floating these ideas.Myopic thinking seems to be your cup of tea.Get out of this slumber you are in and see the light behind other people’s ideas.If you have not been exposed internationally, you cannot make a meaningful comparative contribution to the debate.We have experienced the best and worst of both worlds and are advantaged in as far as arguing from a well-informed standpoint is concerned. SAGE is right. These are progressive ideas which Caleb Fundanga and co. can exploit for the benefit of Zmabia and Zambians
Following on from KC(37),Mexico’s most significant forex earner is their citizens remitting money from abroad(mostly the USA).Malawi was the same when most of the mineworkers in South Africa were Malawian !!. Cross border taxation would increase forex inflows (put simply: even if you work abroad a portion of your tax is remitted to your home country)Many countries have these tax agreements in place and that is how to stem the brain drain outflows. Don’t think for one minute citizens from certain countries just don’t want to come and work in Zambia……it is because it is EXPENSIVE (double taxation!!!)Francis(33) makes a good point…capital (human and financial)goes where the returns are best.So our challenge is to make Zambia a preferred capital destination as well as putting in place a mechanism to benefit from any human capital flight.
Interesting ideas from SAGE. But i also agree with HK that your population estimate in diaspora is way over the top. But lets say it were 20%, so we’re down to $120M, and we could even lower your instalment to $25 pm. This leaves us at $60M–1-2% Zambia’s GDP.
As things are, it increases the purchasing power of families towards local and imported goods–very little of it is saved as you suggest. So the effect on job creation somewhat dissipates. So you’d need to have a sustained stream of it as in your Mexican case to realise more tangible effects at the ‘macro’ or aggregate level as they say.
I think we would get more if this were made into a fund available for lending to small scale businesses at very low interest.
Question is, this is a splendid call to unparalleled patriotism, SAGE. Are Zambians in the diaspora prepared to give ‘free’ money when they could themselves earn a return on it from investing elsewhere.
How about taking off polical lenses of aimless criticism for once and give credit where it’s due.LPM’s making the right noise at the right time, to an audience that needs to hear it.
Whether people like it or not, China is the economic crowd puller right now. In fact it’ll be for at least one-fifth of a century, going by current economic projections. Why else is the same ‘quality’ oriented West falling all over itself to get a foothold in that economy. Zambia needs to play in that league.
I’ve very serious IQ questions to ask about a leader who cannot see this. Chinese exploiters? Well, isn’t that the name of the game! Any investor will not be coming to invest in Zambia because they love it. Hell no. They’re there to make a profit and to exploit. So what Zambia needs to do is not to shun this investment, but rather to contain it.Shepherd it to its benefit. In fact I dare add…..explot back. Play their game. Sharpen and uphold the rule of law. That’s what needs to be done!
FDI of US $900m over 4yrs from China only, FTJ’s ZPA only managed $990 in ten yrs. If one offsets the proceeds of the 259 SOEs from this amount, which were not been accounted for (stolen?), the result is a very paltry figure.
I think LPM is on the right track. Let’s just feed him with the right ideas for Zambia to succeed.
MK, great staff man. You need to tell these pipo more of that. FTJ was sitting on a path of success and blocking the flow. A thesis on FTJ would earn you an easy PhD.
KC, if you did not go overseas as an investor. You fall under the category of economic immigrants, in other words Refugee. You left your country to seek greener pastures. However that does not mean,you are irrelevant to the economy of your host country and Zambia. I guess you know the structure of needs and desires. From your talk you are ready to climb the ladder and I feel proud of you. WELCOME BACK TO ZAMBIA, PHYSICALLY OR FINANCIALLY.
Francis,pandits,KC thanks for your contribution to the topic Zdians in diaspora investing back home. We may not agree on the figures, we dont know for sure, But we agree in Principle that our contribution in terms of investing securely back home would give GRZ enough forex that would have a very positive impact on the economy. Francis $25M PM is a lot of liquid when you look at Zambias GDP. $25M can fix all the roads in Lusaka and still remain with change.
HK.. The priciple here is the idea is good. What i expect from you is to try and help us fine tune this idea. and hopeful get it into a policy proposal that we can propose to BOZ of Paliament. Dont just shoot down ideas provide alternatives if you dont agree.Read Francis,KC and pandits comments. I can tell from the comments that Francis is an Economist. we need a pool of intellectuals here to share ideas. This blog seems like just fun. But my friends this is how great ideas are formed. All of you guys we should find a way of….
Communicating may be we can randezvous and have a real brain stom on these issues affection Mother “Z”. The blog is good but i think we should take it further. we can not afford to let all these ideas just die in the blog.
You are right MuKa(Windhoek). You only have to watch local CNN here to understand how China’s new investment domination Africa is being criticised. So far, China is the only country in Zambia that is has honest investment. Ofcourse they want the minerals but the investment is genuine. I even worry of South African investment – Anglo America, Shoprite, Supreme Furnishers, Barnets. Do these companies remind you of South African investment in Zambia?
What is important right now is to put in place a good investment policy that does not give unnecessary tax incentives. Any tax incentives, if given, must aim at community development. Companies that help develop the surrounding community are the ones that should qualify for any tax break. Ethical and social responsibility must be emphasised for all investors – new and old.
Today you guys have contributed meaningful thoughts on the blog. These ideas are good put them in practice. Zambia need investments.Anyone who has done knows economics positioning is an important aspect of business. Zambia has a good geographic location for business. So its time to move forward. The president set the ball rolling you dont expect him to in Siavonga at the same time at Nakonde. Feed him with ideas once the ideas are meaningful he will act for the betterment of Zed.
if we continue thinking like that and we put that in practice sky is the limit .there will be bread and better for every zambian even in shangombo . let those points (eg from sage) be send to pariament 2011
if we continue thinking like that and we put that in practice sky is the limit .there will be bread and butter for every zambian even in shangombo . let those points (eg from sage) be send to pariament 2011
if we continue thinking like that and we put that in practice sky is the limit .there will be bread and butter for every zambian even in shangombo . let those points (eg from sage) be send to pariament 2011. for real
#41 & 42 MK. I agree with all your points. However, my fear is that African leaders, and LPM is no exception, are only too eager to take the money without reading the small print. Before we know it we will be mortgaged to our eye balls. The fact is that Chinese investment is only suitable for infrastructure development, i.e. roads, schools, sports stadia and hospitals. I don’t think it is geared up to support business ventures. Investments such as Tazara and Mulungushi textiles cannot work because the Chinese or any other government is not equipped to run what are essentially supposed to be businesses. If we play our cards right we can leverage Chinese money to improve the country’s dilapidated infrastructure. However, we must be prepared to give away our natural resources. In Sudan where the Chinese are pumping oil, the Chinese operate the wells entirely with Chinese personnel – no Sudanese workers are allowed anywhere near the installations.
# 1 YOU ARE RIGHT.TWALOMBA SANA SANA TRULY SPEAKING LETS DO IT FOR OURSELF .THATS WHY UK HAS A COMMAND ON ZED ! WHAT IS HAPPENING IN ZAMBIA.THATS SELLING OUT THE COUNTRY /every time kulomba .is that the NEW DEAL LPM WAS TAKING ABOUT ?????? NADABWA
# 1 YOU ARE RIGHT.TWALOMBA SANA SANA TRULY SPEAKING LETS DO IT FOR OURSELF .THATS WHY UK HAS A COMMAND ON ZED ! WHAT IS HAPPENING IN ZAMBIA.THATS SELLING OUT THE COUNTRY /every time kulomba .is that the NEW DEAL LPM WAS TAKING ABOUT ?????? NADABWA OWE
# 1 & 54, Foreign Direct Investiment (FDI), is very important for economic development. Its what has made a diffrence in China itself. Even western countries depend on FDI. This is NOT begging at all. Sata does NOT understand issues beyond stone throwing and insults, he was going to ‘chase’ all investors with little regard for the consequences. He was going to remove chinese to replace them with Taiwanese-a sinking economy, unlike the china one- for his personal benefit from the corrupt taiwanese regime. What a shame!
No one can deny the need for investors.It is the impact of the those investors on the social and economic life of the Zambians. If the Chinese are true investors they should never occupy the Markets Stores for the Zambians. Investors have more money to build their own offices and infrastructure so that they can contribute to development. China is just a new emmerging imperial power in Africa.
I have worked at Mulungushi Textiles before and I was one of the best weavers there. The problem there is not only chinese but management and the mentality of a Zambian. You guys in Zed you have opted to buy Salaula at the expence of such industries. This is a simple mathematics culculation and it can work. Let farmers produce cotton, sell it to the textile industry in turn you guys you buy the products. Once this process takes place Management will not be able to pay its workers and make profits but also they will make research and development to improve quallity. Your friends in the developed they will test and try how an ice cream sounds when you put it in the month much what the customer is accepting. The USA is rich just because they first consume all what they produce that is before they buy or sell. Process copper at home and add value to it you will see that the economy will pick. The govt has to invest heavily in education, health und help fight against hunger
alot of what Power 2 the people says rings true except the assertion that China is an emerging imperial power.Imperialism is a mix of politics and economics, take note the Chinese care little for individual countries politics that is why against all odds they still do business with repressive regimes on any continent(Zimbabwe as an example).Isaac Mulongo(57) is way off the mark with regard to salaula.Salaula my friend is better quality than some of the junk that came out of your factory.What attracted the average Zambian was the price and of course the quality.The average Zambian is very price sensitive.you talk about farmers producing cotton for local textile industry….are you aware imported cotton is a better quality,cheaper and available in volumes that attract significant discounts. Isaac, stick to weaving and let us both learn from the other contributors!!!
Pundit58# if we can hve people think like you we shall never develop. Move around see how people how proud they are of their own products. Do you what you doing by import cotton from other countries you causing capital flight cash is leaving Zambia and being invested some else. God gave you those natural resources not for nothing but the purpose. Dont mislead the nation with igorancy do a bit of econimics so that you understand how the world Markets work. I wonder if you have progressed in life. Be opened and seek ideas other being a dependant
I am pretty sure such people like Pundit if given chance to be decision makers in society they will even accept Gen Technic maize from foreign countries ati because of the people are hungry without think of the aftermath and consquences to follow.Zambia is not a dumpingof wasted goods. Your Salaula is one way of economic colonialism. Do you know how the government spend when importing such goods. Zw problem will be solved by Africans.
Ba Isaac(59),the difference in the quality of submissions on this blog between you and me is quite clear and should ideally tell you that it is likely i am better educated,more worldly and possibly already a person of great responsibility. However, that is not important….Salaula is the only way Zambians found to clothe their children.It is not out of choice but realism.The fact is, the average Zambian cannot afford to buy the locally produced clothes…would you prefer they walk around naked??I supported the rejection of GM foods by the way.Scientific evidence backs LPM’s decision to reject it even as a short term option because it would have contaminated our entire agricultural system. Ba Isaac, you are very correct is advising that Zambia should not be a dumping ground for sub-standard goods and services.You and i agree on alot of things, can others educate the both of us further please ??
iyee ba punndt !!! naufwa uluse sana sana. you call youself ati abanua ink but data mwafumya ya-loose pali MGs te? iwe ka pundts tawaishiba ati shoprite shelves is packed with MGs, the 1980s yellow maize mwalile yali ni MGs. the only place in zed mwinga geta organic food is from chuchu’s farm (teka). he is spending 6 months pakukusha inkoko to reach slaughter age te? nomba MGs chicken in one week te? nomba imwe ba pundt kuti mwaikala 6 months waiting to slaughter a chicken nakapowee pa “bondii” te? be sensible mwaice.
Ba Joze(61), kwena ni point iyo mwapanga. Insala kwena ilakalipa nomba bushe nangu ulinensala elyo palifye inkoko imo….kushinka yonse. Kutontonkanyapo pali mailo. Chimo na ifima GMO. Bonse kuti mwaikuta lelo.GMO ma chemicals…. kuti mulelya buti tamuleina pa chalo…..pa last bonse mwalwala. Nomba Ba Jose ngatamubombele tukalya finshi mailo ???
We must stop these GMO’s from entering the country full stop.The countries that produce them do it for EXPORT ONLY !!!! They don’t consume it themselves.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT ???
Every educated Zambian knows that Zed does not have funds to run any of the industries that require a lot of money thus the need for foriegn investors. Before the chinese showed up AngloAmerica was running the show. If anyone of you believe that the west left any thing for Zed then you must have being leaving in a diffferent Zambia than the one i have always known. The west are just mad that they left a piece of pie that they feel belongs to them. The conditions for the workers in mines before the chinese and now are still the same. The Zambian govt just needs to be a better negotiated for better minimum pay and better tax sytem that gives the govt money to invest in the infrastructure of the country. Remember the govt only facilitates and does not find jobs for anybody. What happened to strikes that got Zambians better pay in some industries. It should be used when necessary.
Zambians the naturally born beggars, no wonder poverty will never finish.
Pundits thank you for coming sensible and recognise other peoples contributions on this blog.You know you reminded me one American Professor who came to Germany and held a lecture on the Zambia economy. He told the audience that Zambian economy was based on second hand cloths this what the country is able to sell and buy. I dont want our country to be dented like that. You now we have resocurces and just have to use them properly so that we all benefit. Remember A Holland company has a case to answer for dumping poisonous substances in Ivory coast. This should not be allowed to happen in Zambia. We have to protect out nation.
SMP… You are wrong my friend there is alot of money in Zambia, what we dont have is leadership with a vision and economic understanding that would chanel the resources into projects that would expand the tax base. Remember one thing government only makes money though taxes. In Zed the only tax base magande knows is the marketeers ok thats sad. We dont have political will power to develop the small business sector. Look at the budget . Do you see anything that would really energise the entreprenural spirit in the local population. Nada Zuch.DFI is important but the core foundation that will sustain the economic grough is solid government policies that are practical, Policices that would make capital available to those who want to start businesses. I want to hear LPM get a $1BN for the small businesses i can assure you business would explode. Another draw back is in Zed we are used to making 1000% profit.That mentality makes it difficult for peopl to do normal business that gives you..
20- 30% ROI. Look at the suppliers at the mines. They spend $20.00 they make $1000.00. Where on earth do find such businesses except Zed. Such businesses shouldnt be ecouraged. If gives people a false sense of business profitabily.
#62 pundts,ala talaufwikishe palwa MGs. you know, when you talk about MGs ubwafya you guys mwakwata pamo na chuchu nyibu ubwakuicita confined pamataba only try to think of henz tinned beans, tinned appricot fruits, endless list fyonse ma MGs. You say “i want english breakfast” encho ulingile ukwishiba ni beans that henz from the tin is MGs.
Pundts forgive me icisungu cilakalifya umutwe pakulemba…anyway i will try, we are in fast changing world and money talks ie fast business te? nomba ni anani wingakwata good returns btm organic from teka farm na MGs? MGs filyo fya chalo even fish ni MGs, Rich, Banana, Rape, Cabbage (chuchu), cotton etc.
Ba China Twasebana
Many workers had extensive burns from the hot bricks
Thirty-one dirty and disorientated workers have been rescued from a brickwork factory in China, where they were being held as virtual slaves.
Eight workers were so traumatised by their experiences that they were only able to remember their names.
The labourers had to work unpaid for 20 hours at a time, and were only given bread and water in return.
The brickworks, in the poor inland province of Shanxi, is owned by the son of the local Communist Party secretary.
Local police told the BBC that the owner, Wang Binbin, had been arrested, and that his father, Wang Dongji, was under investigation.
Several other people have also been arrested, although the foreman is still on the run. There is little they can do about their lot, particularly when, as in this case, factory owners are protected by powerful local officials.In zambia they are also protected. BBC news
# 69, so they are indifferent even to their own kind. It means this is the nature of these guys. They engage in a lot of ‘cutting-corners’. But should that be the case when they come over here? No. Unless we let them do that. I mean, you find China Towns in London, New York, Kuala Lumpur….literally every major city. How is it that they are well behaved in those places. Well, they’re still the same lot. The only difference is that the law in those places is applied fair and square. As such, they’re ‘panel beaten’ into complying and to be in tandem with it. We can’t say much for our case perhaps. This is why corruption is such a filthy thing. It only takes one misguided ‘missile’ in a position of authority to destroy a country. Zambia has to, must change course now.
So there’s nothing wrong with Chinese investment as such. The denomination is still in $s. What’s an issue are the labour practices of the guys. And that’s what we should endeavour to correct.
#43, HK, I’m with you on the question of the small print in many of the contracts signed by govt. In fact, I think it was Myles Manroe (preacherman) who said ‘if you want to hide anything from an African, put it in a document or a book’.
Ironically, it is my understanding that every contractual document is thoroughly ‘taken apart’ in terms of its implication by our ‘learned’ colleagues – the lawyers. Are they failing in this regard or is it that our politicians are bent on overriding good advice? The cases are too many for ones liking. Maybe competence is an issue or that we don’t have tough negotiators.
Are you offering yourself? Mother Zambia needs you!
As for our lawyers, instead of forming ‘consortiums’ to wrestle some ‘quid’ from KK, why don’t they direct that energy in helping Zambia in this area instead.
#17 & 47, ChandafKaunda. I thought I recognised my bestmán’s ‘handwriting’ from Kuomboka Drive.
How can I forget Shoprite and their raw looking bread, but very fulfilling. Or how the talk of the acquisition of Nchanga and Konkola by Anglo brought Zambia to a standstill, particularly CB. But when the burble burst in form of a withdrawn promise, it left the economy in ruins and spurned hundreds of our mining engineers in all directions, other than mother Zambia.
Now that’s the ‘quality’ from the west. To this day, Zambia has never recovered. It may not in 200 yrs. For us Vision 2030, could actually mean Vision 2100! But I hope it doesn’t get to that. Not if every dedicated Zambian makes it their priority to reject a corrupt leadership and insist that visionary people of integrity lead our country.
Well, I hope you’ll be apsiring to be the next BoZ governor!
Ba Mwelwa(69) your contribution made my day.It shows what we should expect from these guys and others like them. The fairly recent explosion in Chambishi made interesting reading as not ONE Chun Chwi was reported injured or killed.To stop the spread of this rot we need to enact laws (punitive and regulatory) to ensure our people and our economy are protected.
At its maturity, this Chinese investment is postulated to create about 4000 jobs. The Chambishi-Mufulira-Kitwe corridor will be the centre of action. Contextuarised, at an average # of 6persons/household, about 24000 souls will be directly impacted. Hundreds other oppoetunities are likely to be created. That’s a good number of people off the street. The question though remains to be asked: is the country ready when eventaully this ‘takes off’, given all the concerns raised in this blog and elsewhere.
On his part, LPM has now converted ZPA to Zambia Development Agency. The message: DFI rather than casual privatisation. Are the technocrats standing by to rise to the occasion?