Maravi

(HERALD) Zambian industrialist calls for greater business linkage

Zambian industrialist calls for greater business linkage
By Tawanda Musarurwa

ZAMBIAN industrialist and president of the Zambia Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Mr Hanson Sindowe, has called for greater business linkages between Zimbabwe and Zambia’s private sectors for mutual trade and investment growth.

The ZACCI president said that there is need for the Zimbabwean businesses to establish ties with relevant organisations that could help them strengthen their capacities and improve access to markets and investment.

"In promoting the expansion of trade and investment between Zambia and Zimbabwe, we need to foster knowledge-sharing and networking among Zambian and Zimbabwean business communities through regular networking events, bringing together Zambian and Zimbabwean businesses for the purpose of exploring opportunities and making contacts.

"There is need to cultivate business ties between the two states aimed at enhancing and increasing commercial links between Zambian and Zimbabwean businesses.

"May I take this opportunity to invite the Zimbabwean private sector to come to Zambia and explore available opportunities in agriculture, energy, construction, manufacturing, mining and tourism," said Mr Sindowe.

Zambia has traditionally been a lucrative market for a wide range of Zimbabwean products and according to Central Statistical Office figures, trade in the first quarter of 2010 between Zimbabwe and Zambia shifted in Zimbabwe’s favour as indicated by declining imports and increasing exports to its northern neighbour. The Zimbabwe-Zambia trade reflected Zimbabwean imports worth US$14,2 million and its exports amounting to US$15 million.

Mr Sindowe also called upon Zimbabwean officials to prioritise the expansion and rehabilitation of key infrastructure for the country to attract investor capital and establish an effective growth path.

"Infrastructure is critical to the growth of the Zimbabwean economy as sound infrastructure for moving goods around Africa is absolutely vital for businesses and investors.

"It is good to note that Zimbabwe has adequate internal transportation and electrical power networks; however, there is need to ensure that all economic infrastructure is brought to a level that will attract and support investment in the country.

"Other than infrastructure, the importance of energy and Information Communication Technology cannot be over emphasised in the quest to achieve economic growth. Energy, communication and technology are catalysts for development and investment and will benefit key sectors of the economy and facilitate growth," he said.

Zimbabwe has so far sunk around US$100 million of its Special Drawing Rights allocation from the International Monetary Fund into a number of infrastructure development and rehabilitation projects, including road and rail infrastructure, energy, water and sanitation, and ICT infrastructure.

Labels: HANSON SINDOWE, ZACCI

posted by MrK @ 5:47 PM