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Poverty levels won’t drop without quality jobs, says Mutati

Poverty levels won’t drop without quality jobs, says Mutati
By By Chiwoyu Sinyangwe
Sun 10 Apr. 2011, 04:01 CAT

FOREIGN direct investments coming into the country will only make a dent on the high poverty levels if it results in improved quality of jobs for Zambians, says Felix Mutati.

Mutati, who is commerce minister, said in an interview that Zambia was currently refocusing its foreign direct investment policy with a specific focus on investments that would improve the quality of jobs.

“Zambia has become the first level of choice of investors and our agenda now is to create quality jobs unlike the case where our people just get manual jobs like warehouse clerks,” Mutati said.

He said instead of importing all the necessary equipments needed to grow our economy, the government was now asking to set up manufacturing plants in the country to make things to feed into the growing sectors.

“Hitachi global industrial equipment system is already here. We are confident that now we can attract investments that will improve the quality of jobs and make a positive impact on the economic growth and wealth creation,” he said.

Mutati also said attracting foreign companies that put pressure on locally-produced goods would help stem off stiff competition and improve competitiveness of domestic goods.

Mutati said the setting up of a manufacturing plant in Zambia by Kenya giant edible oil manufacturing firm - Kapa Oil Refineries Limited was an example of bringing the “competitor home.”

Labels: FDI, FELIX MUTATI

posted by MrK @ 2:57 PM