President Edgar Lungu has said that the economic diversification in Zambia must be private sector driven and that government has spearheaded private sector facilitation by creating Multifacility Economic Zones(MFEZ),
Speaking today when he officiated at the commissioning of Kingphar Zambia Limited at the Lusaka East Multi-Economic Facility Zone this morning, the President stated that the participation of the private sector in the economy cannot be overemphasized.
“The Participation of the private sector in our economy cannot be overemphasised. For our economy to become resilient, the role of the private sector is inevitable,” said the president.
The President has since challenged the private sector to take advantage of the available market in the pharmaceutical industry, and stated that Governments quest for economic diversification and Job creation through value addition and industrialization needed to be private sector driven .
“This is the sure way we will score success in transforming Zambia into an industrial Hub and government will continue to play a pivotal role in facilitating a conducive business environment for both local and foreign investors.” he said.
“This is in line with the 7th National Development Plan which is premised on a Platform of achieving a resilient and diversified economy without leaving anyone behind. I have no doubt that this aspiration will make our country a prosperous middle income country by 2030.” He added.
President Lungu stated that the project he was commissioning signified the strong Cordial relations that exist between Zambia and china.
“It is gratifying to note that this year, 2018, marks 40 years of enhanced cooperation between the two countries. This investment by Kingphar in the Health Sector, Particularly the manufacturing industry is aimed at further promoting Sino-Zambia Cooperation. ” he said.
And the President was delighted to note that the project would create employment for the locals.
“I have been informed that 200 Zambian Staff will be employed and 17 Chinese expatriates who will oversee skills development and knowledge transfer. ” he said.
The President Lungu also expressed concern that despite the presence of some companies in the pharmaceutical sector in the nation, Pharmaceutical products were still being imported.
“Zambian’s continue to have a yawning market which needs to be exploited for more investment in the pharmaceutical industry. I wish therefore to urge potential investors to take advantage of the Multi Facility Zone facilitated by My government, to invest in the pharmaceutical industry. ” He said.
“It is also worth noting that a viable pharmaceutical industry in Zambia in Particular and Africa as a whole will impact significantly on the Health system in the African Continent. This will enable effective response to our people’s health needs and will also contribute to Africa’s overall Social- Economic development.” He added.
The President further announced that his Government in collaboration with the European Union was supporting the Zambia Medicines regulatory authority (ZAMRA) to construct the National quality control laboratory.
He stated that once operational, the National quality control laboratory would not only ensure quality medicines but would also provide easier access to the facility by local manufacturing industries.
“It is also worth noting that the process of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Recognition and ISO certification for quality assurance for this project is already ongoing. I urge the Minister of Health to ensure that this process is expedited. ” He said.
the President Lungu made an assurance that his Government was committed to the growth of the local pharmaceutical industry.
“In this regard, government is currently in dialogue with the United Nations Industrial Organisation (UNIDO) to support our country in providing a technical framework aimed at improving access to quality and affordable essential medicines.” said the President.
President Lungu stated that his Government remained resolute to ensuring increased availability and access to safe, efficacious and quality medicines to its people.
“It is for that reason that we have increased the budgetary allocation for essential medicines and medical supplies under the Ministry of Health from K769 Million in 2017 to K1. 2 Billion in 2018.” He said.
And Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya said President Lungu has shown commitment to the transformational agenda of the health sector.
And Kingphar Zambia Limited Chief Executive Officer Wang Shunxue said he is ready to work with the ministry of health to improve the sector.
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yang Youming said Kingphar will employ more than 200 Zambian staff and enable government to collect tax worth 6 million dollars per year.
Lusaka province Minister Bowman Lusambo said the level of investment in the country is due to the good leadership and policies that president Lungu has shown in the few years he has been in power.
Also Chongwe Member of Parliament Japhen Mwakalombe in whose constituency the pharmaceutical is located thanked President Lungu for the unprecedented investment undertaken in Chongwe.
“I have been informed that 200 Zambian Staff will be employed and 17 Chinese expatriates who will oversee skills development and knowledge transfer. ” he said.
The President Lungu also expressed concern that despite the presence of some companies in the pharmaceutical sector in the nation, Pharmaceutical products were still being imported.
When I call Edgar Lungu you accuse me of insulting your President but simply read the above extract of his speech…I mean if we had robust labour rules he would have outlined what those 17 Chine expats will doing and know if such cannot be filled by locals..then he expresses concern about imports surely what would you conclude from that.
Dear 2021,
We the Zambian people are requesting your speedy arrival.
We fear that our country is being sold to outside interests, and proceeds being pocketed by corrupt leaders.
Labour laws died a long time ago, as did respect for the office of the president.
So if possible, Mr. 2021, please swap with 2019, so we can purge the mould that is in state house.
Thanks in advance.
Eh, chinese medicine?
Zambians want Government to do everything for them even thought they don’t want to pay a dime in taxes. Ignorance yaba napa ntwenu ponse!
*When I call Edgar Lungu lazy you accuse …
Very soon we will have China Town in Lusaka!!
JayJay you pathetic bottom cleaner. Why can’t you leave your comfort zone in UK and come and compete with the chinese??? Because you are the lazy and laughable cretin who always wants to talk rubbish about GRZ and the president but can’t lead by example. Pathetic human being, prefer to be a second class citizen instead of leading by example after all that exposure. Mchweeee….
What the Fuuck is the job description of this nincomp00p in state house? Why the fuuck does he insist on keeping Chinese labourers in this country? Has the f00l got any advisers?
All these was supposed to be rejoicefull moments, unfortunately Edgar lost every single joy, even PF women cadres STOPPED dancing for him.
Sorrowful
Another one room factory………i don’t think that one room can employ 200 Zambians ……..lies.
Lungu tell us why we are still importing GRZ uniforms when we can grow cotton ??
All in all good start……we should not be so negative, but relying on the private sector alone is not good for zambia….most of the private investors are foreign and they don’t have the best interests of Zambia first.
Every developed country did not start off by expecting private enterprise to kick-off industrialisation……lungus GRZ will be the first.
I agree with all you guys…I don’t know whether it’s out of desperation or corruption that we have to “terms” when it comes to these guys. they dictate to Zambia what they will do when they set up shop in Zambia. it’s supposed to be the other way round.
lungu and his fools are only too happy to hear that they’ll employ x number of people. they don’t even ask questions, even in arrears where local Zambians have similar or even better expertise, they allow foreigners to bring their own people in top management and Zambians are doing low level jobs. same thing with all these south African chains, Zambians are cashers and security guards, where are Zambian business graduates supposed to work?
Zambia should set out terms and conditions, if they don’t like them, let them take a…
What’s the point if you can give a foreign to make vehicle number plates when they can be made in chawama .
I have been informed that “It will lose Hagain!”
HaJealousy Hagain! “He who does not give praise where it is due is a son of a witch,” I am informed.
On the right track transforming Zambia into a developed country! Remember, the tribal agenda will never concur to anything the government does. If you were to transpose events and peradventure the Under Five were the one officiating this event and in the capacity of the president the animalia kingdom would be singing praise to the Child. Alas! It will never be!
The sex stalker rehabilitation has not worked on you it seems……
I only know of one corrupt leader who has been on the helm of power for a century and has lost five consecutive elections because he is unelectable, unsellable and unlikable. Panamagate Money Laundering.
Who is that fraud convict leader I wonder ?
@ Spaka
According to the “Form of Admission” in case 2010/CRMP/688, certain Edgar Changwa Lungu admitted embezzlement of K36,080,412.00.
Can this be our “learned’, “humble”, “visionary”, “anointed” and Endemically Corrupt Leader of Plunderers Federation?
Private sector spearheaded by Chinese. You do not create opportunities for the locals. Only foreigners benefit from the so called private sector.You are banning everything that locals can do. Our president is a big let down. Lord help us! We are tired of this junk
Very true…..that is what PF are not seeing.
GRZ needs to take a leading role in creating industry not just yapping about an enabling environment …….show the lead or are you too lazy you lungu and your ministers ?
Amazing!!! Why blame the chinese??? Get off your sorry a.r.s.e and open your own factory.
Tell lungu to stop stealing and buying 42/42 and maybe the locals can have start capital and grants to start factories
“I have no doubt that this aspiration will make our country a prosperous middle income country by 2030.” He added.
The middle income goal post has now shifted to 2030, before it was 2020 which is just around the corner. Even if the target was moved to 2090,PF fools and Lungu will still be struggling to deal with just cholera.
“I have no doubt that this aspiration will make our country a prosperous middle income country by 2030.” He added.
The middle income goal post has now shifted to 2030, before it was 2020 which is just around the corner. Even if the target was moved to 2090,P-F fo-o-ls and Lungu will still be struggling to deal with just cholera.
The locals will soon come on board! Some are. Please give the president a break! He is doing great!
He has just created 499 800 of the 500 000 jobs he promised. Time is running out mate!
Why create IDC then?
When Lungu talks about private sector, he refers to chines friends and funders of his party no Zambian is considered to local projects unless members of Koswe mumpoto family.
President Lungu private sector can only compliment your efforts, you can not sit back and say private sector will develop diversity.
Who want s to pump money into a 20 year project, these are business men. Why do you think Avic chose to buy NRDC instead of developing that same bush in mumbwa?