By DELPHINE ZULU –

VICE-PRESIDENT Inonge Wina has directed management at the Lusaka East Multi Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ) to partner with local investors and prioritise job creation for local youths.
The Vice-President has also urged the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry and the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) to ensure that they offer clear explanations and opportunities for local investors to be engaged.
She said ZDA and Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry should provide necessary information especially on how much was required for one to invest in Zambia and how such investment would help to benefit the locals.
Speaking yesterday when she toured the premises with Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe, ZDA director general Patrick Chisanga and Zesco acting managing director Victor Mundende, Ms Wina said there was need for the three institutions to accelerate progress.
“We want investment to be translated into reality here, at this facility and to ensure that more Zambians are participating in the business of the facility and attract investors all over Africa and SADC region,” she said.
She said the Patriotic Front (PF) Government was eager to see the facility completed within the shortest possible time because it wanted to see many locals get employed as promised in the party manifesto.
Ms Wina said there was also need to ensure that the technology by the Chinese was transferred to Zambians as well as the promotion of businesses between the two countries.
She urged Zambian investors to be innovative and explore more business opportunities.
Mr Chisanga said he would ensure that the necessary steps were taken especially on marketing the investment opportunities to locals so that they were part of the investment.
Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Yang Youming said he would ensure that the facility employed more locals and engaged more local investors because the project was meant to benefit more Zambians.