. Scott

By SYLVESTER MWALE –
ACTING President Guy Scott has assured that the Government is committed to providing a conducive policy environment for the private sector by eliminating various impediments that are faced by businesses.
Dr Scott said the Government believed that a conducive business environment was key to enhancing private sector competitiveness thereby enabling the business community to take advantage.
The Acting President said during the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ZACCI) dinner on Friday evening that wealth creation could only be achieved in partnership with the private sector.
“It is for this reason that Government remains committed to providing a conducive policy environment for private sector growth by addressing the various impediments that businesses are facing.
“With the implementation of the private sector development reform programme, the environment has become more conducive for private sector investment,” Dr Scott said.
Dr Scott said the Government was also aware that it was only through enhanced trade and a strong private sector that the country could develop a strong economy and create the much needed employment.
This would also help to increase revenue that would enable the government to ultimately improve other social sectors.
Dr Scott said the government would like to see more innovative ideas by the private sector that was aimed at bringing development to the country.
“It is important that you embrace innovative ideas in your activities as well as your business models,” he said.
“Other than good corporate citizenship, the community expects a lot from the business community. As you grow, you must one day look back and marvel at the many lives that your business operations would have impacted on the people.”
Commerce permanent secretary Siazongo Siakalenge said his ministriy wanted to ensure that Zambian produced products were marketable at both local and international Market.