By KETRA KALUNGA
The Proudly Zambian Campaign initiative will contribute to the growth of the economy by ensuring growth of businesses and job creation, an economist has said.
Shabdin Mweetwa said Zambians were beginning to appreciate the importance of buying local products and this would lead to growth of businesses in the country, translating into increased job creation.
The campaign initiated in 2004 by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry to promote local production and consumption has so far attracted about 121 local companies from various sectors of the economy.
Mr Mweemba said in an interview that when people promote local productions, businesses are able to re-invest because the money remains in the economy.
“Zambians are realizing the importance of buying local products, this is helping to keep the profits realized from the local businesses within the country,” he said.
Mr Mweemba said the quality of local products has been improving but should be improved further to meet the international standards.
He urged promoters of the Proudly Zambian Campaign to go beyond increasing the membership by continuously highlighting the economic benefits of buying local to the consumers.
Mr Mweemba said the initiative was beneficial to the economy, therefore it should be embraced by the consumers through increased sensitization.
