President Hakainde Hichilema has appealed to businesses across the country to support and harness the local content agenda to foster economic growth and employment creation in the country.
officially opening the 60th Zambia International Trade Fair through a speech delivered by Vice-President, Mutale Nalumango, President Hichilema said increased support for locally produced goods and services will help expand local industries.
“Every time we choose a Zambian product, we support local businesses, create jobs, and strengthen our economy.
“I therefore, call upon businesses to embrace the local content agenda by creating opportunities for Zambian enterprises, strengthening local supply chains, and giving greater consideration to locally produced goods and services in their operations,” he said.
The President further urged consumers, retailers, financial institutions and public institutions to take a leading role in supporting locally produced goods and services.
“As we seek to expand our production and productivity as a country, we must take full advantage of our strategic location in the region and support our businesses to access new markets and expand their presence across the region and beyond,” he said.
President Hichilema explained that the government’s development agenda is centered on building a strong industrial base driven by improved productivity, competitiveness and inclusive prosperity across all sectors and provinces.
He added that one of the government’s key economic targets is to increase maize production to 10 million metric tonnes to enhance national food security while boosting export earnings among others.
“This 60th International Trade Fair is the right platform to link the various partners that will get the targets achieved.
“Our strategy is to get each player in this economy to win in the vision of industrialisation, by providing a place for all to contribute. We are emphasising partnerships and local value addition in a fair but competitive environment’’, he added.
President Hichilema said the government remains committed to transforming Zambia’s economy by promoting value addition, increasing local manufacturing and enhancing the country’s competitiveness in regional and international markets.
Meanwhile, Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, Siakazongo Siakalenge, said the Zambia International Trade Fair has continued to grow over the past six decades, making a significant contribution to the country’s economic development.
“We have moved beyond traditional exhibitions to embrace digital innovation, virtual products showcasing and technology-driven engagement. What I exhibited today, Your Honour, extends far beyond our traditional pillars of mining and agriculture to include manufacturing among others,” he said.
Dr Siakalenge noted that the trade fair has facilitated strong business partnerships over the past 60 years, resulting in increased trade, expanded export markets, investment opportunities and lasting regional collaborations.
“The opportunities created through this fair have supported investments, generated job opportunities and contributed to shared regional,” he said.
Earlier, ZITF Board Chairperson, Ajay Vashee, described the private sector as a key driver of Zambia’s economic transformation.
He stressed the need for a conducive business environment supported by continued reforms aimed at lowering the cost of doing business.
