The Federation of Free Trade Unions of Zambia (FFTUZ) is happy with the economic strides made by the PF government.
FFTUZ Labour Day envoy to Nchelenge District in Luapula Province, Maybin Simukoko, says generally the 2013 real Gross Domestic Products (GDP) figures are impressive and rose compared to 2012.
Mr Simukoko noted that government adjusted the minimum wage upwards in a bid to improve the conditions of service and bring decency to workers.
He said though the FFTUZ noted with pleasure some of the economic gains that the PF government has recorded the need for the country to consolidate the manufacturing industry cannot be overlooked.
Speaking on Thursday in Nchelenge during the Labour Celebrations, Mr Simukoko said the manufacturing industry has the potential to employ millions of Zambians and subsequently grow the economy.
He further said producing processed products for both the local and international markets will help the country raise money for infrastructure and other developmental programmes which are crucial for a sustainable economy.
The union representative added that the government must also endeavour and invest in research and development to ascertain products and services that will compete favourably on the global market.
Meanwhile, Mr Simukoko has called for strong government commitments towards the delivery of low inflation rates and a strong financial sector.
Mr Simukoko said this will ensure the expansion of access to finances especially by individuals and the Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs).
He noted that inflation remains in single digit at 7.7 per cent but government must enhance the corporate governance systems in order to stabilize the Kwacha against major currencies such as the Dollar.
Mr Simukoko further noted that the accessibility of financial services continue to be a challenge especially to individuals and SMEs but was quick to say that a significant progress has been to improve the availability and accessibility of these services.
He added that the government move to provide financial resources through the Development Bank of Zambia (DBZ) and the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) initiative has tremendously improved the situation.
And the FFTUZ has urged the government to guard against the peace that the country has enjoyed for the 50 years of political independence.
Mr Simukoko said Zambia has worked hard to maintain the peace but noted that unemployment among the youths is a threat to national stability.
He observed that some people have developed a bad culture of lies and violence that threatens to disturb the peace the nation has enjoyed since independence and appealed to relevant authorities to put a stop to it.
Mr Simukoko further said he was optimistic that the PF government would rise above petty politics and surprise the Zambian people by handing them the constitution.
Oh my God!
praising because you are eating well and you stay in ku. go to kwa and see how pipo are suffering and you will stop this nonsense
Useless supporting useless!!!
Once a concubines, always a concubine.
Praise or mockery?
Other people can be stupid ! Has this ***** gone round the compounds ?
Put in place measures to “trickle down” this prosperity to the majority of the population so that we are able to talk about numbers being “lifted out of” poverty.