By CHATULA KANGALI –
THERE is need for the Copperbelt Investment Forum and Expo to focus on attracting investment in technology and skills development, the Ndola District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NDCCI) has said.
NDCCI publicity secretary Paul Chisunka said in an interview that there was need for a deliberate policy to promote investment in technology and skills development in the province.
Mr Chisunka said increased investment in technology and skills development would help existing industries to be more competitive on the regional market.
He noted that they were a number of industries on the Copperbelt province with presentation from all sectors of the economy such as agriculture, mining and forest that needed enhanced technology for them to be more competitive.
“Copperbelt needs more investment in technology, as we prepare for the Expo, we need to strategise on how we can increase investment in technology to help our industries become more competitive and viable,” he said.
Mr Chisunka said the province should also focus on investment in value addition and manufacturing as it had representation from all sectors.
He said there was need for the province to be a hub of manufacturing and for Ndola in particular to reclaim its position in manufacturing.
Mr Chisunka said there were various investment opportunities for investment in value addition that could help grow the economy.
The City of Ndola has existing infrastructure in the industrial area and the recently commissioned industrial yard managed by Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) and the Sub-Saharan Gemstone Exchange Park.
Mr Chisunka said there was also need for the promotion of investment in skills development that would help enhance operations of the already existing industries.