LUSAKA, Thursday, November 16, 2023
Acting Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Rodney Sikumba has said the Private Sector Forum of the Great Lakes Region General Assembly of the Private Sector Forum has come at an opportune time when Africa has embarked on a path of strengthening intra-Africa trade and investment.
Speaking when he officially graced the two-day event taking place at the Lusaka’s Taj Pamodzi Hotel this morning, the Minister said the COVID-19 Pandemic and other crises occasioned by climate change and geo-political tensions have resulted in a mindset shift in the region to look towards itself for homegrown solutions which are less prone to external shocks and vulnerabilities.
He said the Meeting is, therefore, timely to reinvigorate the Private Sector Forum, as a platform to build Africa’s resilience through exchange of Business information, exploration of trade and investment opportunities and creation of mutually beneficial partnerships.
The Minister said Government continues to undertake reforms
aimed at creating a conducive business environment, with a strong policy
framework, that supports the growth of a vibrant and resilient private sector.
The Livingstone law-maker said Through the Investment, Trade and Business Development Act, Government has put in place an efficient, effective and coordinated private sector-led economic development strategy. This is in line with the National Development Plan, currently in its 8th edition, which is anchored on four pillars namely, economic transformation and job creation, human and social development, environmental sustainability and good governance.
And International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Deputy Executive Secretary, Ambassador Yasir Ibrahim Ali Mohammed said the meeting represents a key process towards improving regional business environment, trade facilitation, and economic development of the Great Lakes Region.
He said policy stakeholders of the ICGLR member states present a singular opportunity to reduce some of the existing non-tariff barriers that continue to impede the flow of goods and investments across the great region.
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