UPND Business Consultation Survey Findings
14 October 2015
The UPND has spent the past six weeks consulting entrepreneurs, businessmen and women, and investors as to how government can better support them to create jobs and drive sustainable economic growth through its 2015 Business Consultation Survey.
We have also consulted respondents about how we can create more opportunities for young Zambians in particular, such as through apprenticeship schemes and skills training and transfer initiatives. Such consultation is important in order to develop and refine policy proposals and initiatives to ensure they are well targeted and deliver maximum benefit. It is also helpful in informing our calculations as to what is manageable in terms of delivery to the Zambian people before promising the world and delivering very little.
Common to the responses we received were complaints that government is too heavy handed and inconsistent, often over-complicating processes, creating too much red tape and causing policy instability. All of which increase the time and cost of doing business in Zambia. Meanwhile, government has failed to act in areas where businesses most need additional support, notably funding.
As such government needs to work towards a simple, clear and stable regulatory regime that will enable businesses to better plan ahead.
In addition, cutting back on government domestic borrowing is essential to relieve pressure on interest rates for local businesses, and providing tax incentives to minimise start-up costs for those setting out or seeking to grow their business, will help reduce the burden and get more projects off the ground.
Under the current taxation regime the continuation of an import dependent economy is likely, while hopes for diversification through the growth of sectors such as tourism risk falling by the wayside unless serious incentives are proposed. In the UPND our thinking is that the promotion of export, value-addition and labour intensive projects should be prioritised through fiscal incentives.
The value such projects will bring in terms of direct and indirect job creation and economic growth will be much greater than the initial value of these incentives.
In terms of labour, several respondents noted the need for practical, and not just theoretical, training of potential employees, which reinforces our continued commitment to supporting vocational training initiatives, apprenticeships and mentorship schemes.
As we work to develop and refine our 2016-2021 manifesto commitments we will continue to consult various individuals and organisations, knowing that everyone has some insight to share and that working together we can deliver economic transformation and move Zambia forward.
Hakainde Hichilema
UPND President
Now, this is a new one! Congratulations Mr.HH, you bring a new dimension to politics. We are tired of mudslinging. Our economy would be so much better in your hands.
@Obatala, Mr. HH doesn’t look good, try President HH.
He has good ideas, only if PF can copy, but they are shy.
Not being negative, but I expected much more from 6 week survey; some depth into each case. I can come up with this info without even a survey, it’s all common knowledge, nothing to applaud here
Now, this is a new one! Congratulations Mr.HH, you bring a new dimension to politics. We are tired of mudslinging. Our economy would be so much better in your hands.
If it is common knowledge, how come PF is blind to reality?
I agree in total. But please ensure that UPND selects quality and forward thinking candidates for 2016 parliamentary elections. Do not recycle MPs who have failed to deliver in their respective constituencies. Look beyond partisan lines. Zambia can not develop if we continue having mediocre leadership. Our major challenge as a nation has been in the area of leadership. This has been lacking and at times it has been reaching even dangerous points.
And plan is pf and it’s in pipe line. Ecl when he talked about creation of 500 000 jobs talked exactly what upend is saying. They just want to hijack ecl plans to get credit over someone’s else idea. Anyway copying is allowed provided you acknowledge and give credit to the author.
Sponge
ECL only talked of creating 500, 000 jobs and never said anything on policies that will lead to job creation. HH has highlighted the areas that hinder business from growing. Let ECL learn and implement what HH has said.
sponge bob aren’t you supposed to be sitting for your grade nine exams…? should be studying you know and let the grown ups do the typing….do you even know who intends to construct the pipeline? the countries involved? guys please its okay to oppose but just do your research and have facts
500 k jobs by 2016.? , you are the miracle men kambwili keeps mentioning.
How log is that fu*kin pipeline? From here to eternity? Talk is only cheap commodity in PF Zambia. In so far your “humble”, “wise”and “knowledgeable” leader has achieved fu*k all. 500, 000 jobs? Only in Jameson induced dreams!!!
The entire HH and UPND spent six weeks to come up with this analysis? nowonder things like the NCC took so much time too
The entire HH and UPND spent six weeks to come up with this analysis? nowonder things like the NCC took so much time too
The entire HH and UPND spent six weeks to come up with this analysis? nowonder things like the NCC took so much time too
HH WHAT YOU PRODUCED IS A MERE ACADEMIC PAPER THROW IT IN THE TOILET. REALITY ON RESOLVING ISSUES ARE UNDER CONTROL BY EDGAR LUNGU SO DON’T WASTE OUR TIME ZAMBIA IS NOT A LABORATORY
@ james phiri
The PF Government didn’t have a plan when they formed Govt. and that’s the reason why after finishing all the funds in the Treasury, they resorted to over borrowing.HH is trying to draw your attention to the issue of Planning which is a vital component in everything one does in life.Please look at the Positive side of what he’s trying to do and not always being Negative…..Ba PF Chipante!pante too much that’s today Kambwili is crying foul!!!!! Learn to listen…and listen carefully
@ james phiri
The PF Government didn’t have a plan when they formed Govt. and that’s the reason why after finishing all the funds in the Treasury, they resorted to over borrowing.HH is trying to draw your attention to the issue of Planning which is a vital component in everything one does in life.Please look at the Positive side of what he’s trying to do and not always being Negative…..Ba PF Chipante!pante too much that’s why today Kambwili is crying foul!!!!! Learn to listen…and listen carefully
What is a budget? I thot it were a plan. So i wonder when you say pf had no plan. Be sincere you can’t run a county or a business without a budget. Tell people the truth. We are capable of analysing issues on the ground on our own and campare with your lies
Your knowledge of English its second only to PF achievements.
Good move UPND. Getting feedback (Bottom-up management) from the citizens is an exemplary way of focusing on relevant issues and prioritising as you plan in line with your ideology i.e. “National Development”. As any normal functioning adult will agree, orderliness and consistency is key in sustainable development. Good move.
you can promise mongu will be the new capital but if u dont have qualites like tollerance,forgiveness,love,say yes where it is needed,say sorry when required,fear God,respect Current President In Office, just To Mentin A Few. Hh ‘S Wife Should Be Exposed For People To Know Her And Assess Whether She Can Manage. Don T Pose With Other People ‘S Wifes When U Have Yours Too.