Government has expressed optimism that business linkages would boost Zambia’s economic growth and wealth creation in the near future.
Ministry of Commerce Permanent Secretary, Buleti Nsemukila says Zambia’s economic growth and wealth creation lays partly in linking industrial growth and development to international trade hence the call for a Business Linkages Strategy.
In a speech read on his behalf by Commerce Director of Industry Siazonga Siakalenge, Dr. Nsemukila noted that business linkages unlocks the potential within the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) such as employment creation, National Domestic Product growth and export generation.
ZANIS reports that Dr Nsemukila said this at the official opening of a two-day Business Linkages Strategy Development workshop at Siavonga’s Lake Kariba Inn today.
The workshop has attracted directors from government, private sector and business associations.
He observed that the participation of business associations and private companies played a big role in nurturing and supporting MSMEs to grow hence the need for business linkages.
“My ministry is very confident that the United Nations Programme fittingly titled , ‘Broad Based Wealth And Job Creation’, borrowed from the theme of the Fifth National Development Plan is one of the interventions that is facilitating start up, growth and expansion of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises,’’ he said.
Speaking earlier, International Labour Organisation (ILO) Country Representative, Gerry Finnegan said the United Nations was encouraged by the zeal the Zambian government and the private sector has exhibited towards knowledge and information sharing in a multi directional way.
In a speech read for him by ILO Senior Technical Advisor Jealous Chirove, Mr. Finnegan hoped that the workshop will agree on key elements of national business linkages development strategy that will chart the way forward by drawing experiences from other countries.
Mr. Finnegan, who is also representative for Malawi and Mozambique, acknowledged the contributions made by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for supporting business linkages in Zambia and growing sustainable business model respectively.
Earlier, Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Director for Micro and Small Enterprises Division Windu Matoka explained that the objective of the workshop was to create common understanding about the Business Linkages Strategy.
Mr. Matoka called for political and financial support towards ZDA, if the Business Linkages Strategy was to be a success.
At the same workshop, UNCTAD Representative on Division for Investment and Enterprise, Fiorina Mugione, observed that business linkages were not only viable in highly industrialised countries, but has also worked in low income countries such as Uganda.
The workshop, co-sponsored by ILO and UNCTAD on broad based wealth and job creation (BBW &JC) and moderated by Zambian economist Chibamba Kanyama, is being held against the backdrop of an earlier workshop held at Lusaka.
Its focus is to forge a Business Linkages Development Strategy that will draw lessons from Brazil and Uganda, who are also participating.
The strategies developed from the workshop are aimed at supporting ZDA to effectively broker business linkages for MSMEs thereby, contributing to economic growth and employment generation.
ZANIS
Lies and illusions in Zed.
Fya pamputi,RB will only take as to yhe grave faster than we came.
Methods that improve the living standard of Zambians with measurable results is a plus. Being a leader in govt is an opportunity to make a difference in society. People like pragmatic leaders…. God bless Zambia
UBUPUBA FYE BWEKABWEKA.
…And that’s just one of the many things that our government always seems to surprise with. Why do you always have to wait fro international intervention or donors to move you towards economic growth? There are so many initiatives the government can utilize to start ventures that will surely pay off on a larger scale. Kanitundila’s government has just FAILED the Zambian people period. There are and should be no excuses. Your time is almost up anyway!
Infrastructure and safe and reliable services form the bed rock of economic growth.
But how will Zambia’s economy grow when mediocrity is a norm in the supply of services, be it telephone, electricity or water. The power surge in Chadiza, which damaged vital info equipment frustrates progress. And it may end at “we will investigate” and life will go on.
Nepotism also inhibits discipline. Most institutions, ZESCO included employs and promotes people because they know someone big in the system. And the price the nation has to pay, MEDIOCRITY OF THE WORST KIND
How would a country develop in the midst of high levels of corruption and mediocre services?Senior Citizen, should assist ZESCO to supply a safe and reliable product to its customers.
Or is he just an empty tin…
Optimism is a good thing but reality is another. Isn’t it ironic that Zambia’s economic growth is actually hampered by the same institute that is optimistic about it?
What does Mr Nsemukila know? They say charity begins at home. I won’t say much but those of you who have seen where this man lives in rhodespark will know what I’m talking about. You can’t talk about development and yet you live like the world just started today….. like ancient times.
and the beat goes on and on and on
A growth rate of 4.3% for a poor and small economy like Zed is nothing worth to talk about. It will take us more than half a decade to reach over 40% unemployment rate. Bushe kanshi pa Zed why are we duped by these politicians? Especially this generation, we should take ownership and rescue this sinking ship before we leave nothing for our children.
All these things are coming about because of the Good Policy that had been put in place with the Good Governance of His Excellency Ruphia Bwezani Banda and his team. We are happy with the developments MMD is doing. Viva MMD
Assistant MMD Chief Boot leaker we chipuba we. U are a no brainer.
iwe ka No#10 & 12 – Umuntu Mutwe uli chipuba sana we. These are senoir civil servants who run the government. even if sata becomes HE . These guys including the likes of Kapoko, Chalwe will still be there. No matter you have a brain like Sata. You cant distinguish water from urine.
Ba # 13 For sure mulimbwa………….
The cost of doing business in Zambia remains one of the highest in Africa. High interest rates (over 30%), excessive government domestic borrowing, high PAYE tax, high cost of fuel, very poor road network, poor infrastructure and structural imbalances in our budget. We even failed to state how much revenue we will raise from the mines in 2010. The windfall tax would have helped bridge the deficit and provide funds for social and infrastructure investment. A 4.3% growth is in reality not good enough at all. Zambia needs serious reform if we are to become a middle income country.
14 Twachula uli muntu sana. 13 Illa Dog, dont you know that economic policy is driven by the polical powers in place and then the senior civil servants are the workers and mouthpieces. Read my comment again. No wonder you call yourself a Dog!!! Mwana ngwena.
YOU! WHERE ARE THE PICTUTRES TODAY IS THURSDAY? YOU HAVE ALSO STARTED LIES LIKE THE POLITICIANS IN Z,DO SOMETHING MAN!
Greetings fellow optimists…no updates since last night, what’s happening? Plus we’re still waiting for them pictures of the week/end that never was.
#15 Executive Analyst. Good points. Keep it up.
Would you or any blogger here know why bank interest rates are so high in Zambia? This high cost of borrowing is detrimental to our economy. You need capital do to business. Where do entrepreneures get it if not from banks.
Fuel sector – I know why fuel is expensive in Zambia, having worked in the sector.
Mine sector – what is Govt’s position on the windfall tax. Are they reinstating it? The K2.4trn in 2010 budget is laughable. How do you get only £30m for all those copper and cobalt leaving Zambia. Madness. We are giving minerals away. RB must explain this.
Govt borrowing crowds out business people. How do you compete with govt to borrow from banks. Again, this diminishes capital sources for private enterprises. Pray for wisdom
Dr Nsemukila,Its time you translated your words into action.You have been dishing out words and statistics since you were Director at CSO.
Dr. Nsemukila, we have seen your good works at UNZA and CSO. We value your dedication to work and your being transparency. Continue with your good works DOC. Viva MMD
#19, domestic borrowing by the government has a huge impact on interest rates. Govt borrows by issuing treasury bills and govt bonds at an interest. Banks and other lending institutions find it less risky to lend to the govt than to individuals or SMEs. The higher the risk, the higher the interest rate. One way of reducing interest rates is for the govt to reduce domestic borrowing and thus force banks to compete in lending to individuals e.t.c.