Maravi

(LUSAKATIMES) Felix Mutati warns investors

Felix Mutati warns investors
Saturday, October 23, 2010, 9:44

Government says it will not condone the abuse of laws in the country by any investor or national. Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Felix Mutati says government through the Ministry of labour is working to ensure that conditions of service in private owned companies meet the minimum requirements as set by the Zambian government.

Mr Mutati says government is also working through the Ministry of Mines to ensure that the safety regulations and requirements in mines are as defined by the laws of Zambia.

He explained that the strategies are being put in motion and government will take action against anyone who does not comply.

“For us we are not looking at the face of the investor, we are looking at the compliance to the rules and regulations of the country as the principle driving force for the residence of the investor into our country and nothing else.” Mr Mutati said.

Recently two Chinese nationals allegedly shot and injured workers during a demonstration in Sinazongwe. The minister was speaking to ZANIS after touring the Zambian Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai expo in China today.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mutati says he is confident that Zambia’s participation at the 2010 Shanghai Expo will attract more investment and trade from China into Zambia.

He noted that China takes the center stage in terms of being an engine for creating the transformation that is required for Zambia and the rest of the world.
Mr Mutati said China is one of Zambia’s key trading and investment partners

He also said trade between Zambia and China annually is in the excess of $900 million United States Dollars and is one of the countries Zambia has recorded positive trading surpluses.

“So for us China remains a key partner in our effort to meet the vision 2030 for Zambia to become a mid income country.” he added.

Mr Mutati explained that Zambia has translated the theme for the Expo, “Better City, Better Life” by bringing in the pavilion the cultural aspect of Zambia and some of the key structures in Zambia such as roads, buildings and paintings that are predominantly Zambian, and the tourism component of Zambia making sure that life can become easier if we looked after our environment.

The 2010 Shanghai Expo which was officially opened on the 1st of May and ends on the 31st of October has attracted 242 countries and international organisations.

The theme” Better City, Better Life” represents the common wish of the whole human kind for a better living in future urban environments.

The theme also represents a central concern of the international community for future policy making, urban strategies and sustainable development.

[ZANIS]

Labels: CHINESE COLLUM COAL MINE, FELIX MUTATI, LABOUR

posted by MrK @ 3:24 PM