By MOFFAT CHAZINGWA
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THE Parliamentary Committee on Government Assurances is impressed with the way Chambishi Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ) is taking shape.
Committee chairperson Munji Habeenzu said the MFEZ idea was one initiative with great potential to make the country’s economy grow.
Mr Habeenzu, who is Chikanta Member of Parliament (MP), said there was need to make the MFEZs realise their full potential of contributing to the development process of the country by managing the facilities well in order for them to attract investment.
He said this in Chambishi on Tuesday when the committee toured the MFEZ to check on the progress made on the project by the developer, Zambia-China Trade Investment Cooperation Zone (ZCCZ).
‘‘ So far, our concern was to find out whether the project is complete and I must say we are impressed with what we have seen.  This facility is something that can make the economy grow and all we need is to manage it very well for it to attract investments,’’ he said.
Mr Habeenzu said the MFEZ had a huge potential and that if well managed, it could help a lot of Zambians by creating employment.
He said there was need for Government to pay particular attention to some of the appeals such as those for tax free zones being voiced by ZCCZ.
‘‘Our appeal to Government is that whatever is remaining in terms of completing the facility is expedited because we don’t have to travel to China to get things like floor towels or door when this investment has a potential to manufacture these products,’’ he said.
Mr Habeenzu urged Government to consider reviewing the minimum US$500, 000 thresholds for investment in the MFEZ because it was proving a challenge for local investors to participate in the venture.
Ministry of Commence, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary Siazongo Siakalenge, who was at the facility during the visit by the committee, said the success of the MFEZ ventures in the country was largely dependent on the kind of incentives offered considering that other countries were also exploring the same facilities.
ZCCZ corporate affairs manager Stephen Lindunda said they feared that some of what he termed ‘unfavourable’ statutory obligations such as property rates and the changed tax regime which required investors pay tax at the start of their investment in the MFEZ as opposed to doing so after they make profits could be a drawback to the success of the venture.
ZCCZ deputy general manager Ding Yoghai thanked Government for its support to the MFEZ, which he said needed to continue if the nation was to become the most favourable investment destination in Africa.
Other members of the committee are Nchelenge MP Raymond Mpundu, Ambrose Lwizi Lufuma for Kabompo West, Mundia Ndalamei for Sikongo, Abel Sichula for Nakonde, Mulememui Imenda for Luena and January Zulu for Chama North.