Value addition priority – Sata

zm” class=”f”>Zambia Daily Mail by Online Editor on 6/29/13

ZAMBIA Information and Communication Technology Authority director for support services Mofya Chisala (right) receiving the chairman’s award from Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Emmanuel Chenda at the Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola yesterday. – Picture AGGREY BANDA.

By JERRY MUNTHALI
PRESIDENT Sata says Government is determined to promote high levels of investment in value addition to trigger increased trade of goods and services.
Speaking during the official opening of the 49th Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola yesterday, Mr Sata said in a speech read for him by Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Emmanuel Chenda that it is Government’s desire to promote a variety of linkages in the economy such as technology transfer, human capital formation, creation of new industries and greater integration into the global economy.
“I, therefore, wish to challenge Zambians, especially our youth, to become innovative in business and contribute to the development of the economy,” Mr Sata said.
He said in a changing world, Zambia cannot be complacent about future success.
“As the global economy recovers from the worst crisis in many years, value addition to our natural resources is crucial to achieving sustainable and balanced economic growth and employment creation,” Mr Sata said
The President commended Zambian enterprises that are producing quality products and setting up new businesses outside the country.
He also said the theme for this year’s trade fair ‘Value addition through global partnerships’ is timely because it comes at a time when Zambia and other African economies continue to depend on commodity production and exports.
Mr Sata said his administration is committed to creating an enabling environment for continued and strengthened global partnerships in areas of finance, investment, trade and technology.
“Bringing about economic transformation through value addition requires concerted efforts. Ensuring that Zambia is fully integrated into the global economy is central to my Government’s policy of driving growth and poverty reduction  as well as diversifying the economy as much as possible away from supplying natural resources,” Mr Sata said.
He also said he is impressed with the range of products and great potential for value addition that micro, small and medium-scale entrepreneurs are offering at the trade fair.
“I would like to encourage them to continue using their drive and passion to grow,” Mr Sata said.
He also said he is aware of the challenges that the trade fair is facing and called on the board, management and exhibitors to double their efforts in redeveloping infrastructure and showcasing the latest innovations in products and services.
ZITF chairman Emmanuel Hachipuka said the trade fair can draw valuable lessons from the Zimbabwe Trade Fair.
“The Zimbabwe Trade Fair does have better infrastructure than ours and their local participation both from public and private institutions is significant. We need to upgrade the infrastructure to that of other comparative countries both in the region and beyond. We need to bring all inside roads and the boundary road to bituminous standards,” Mr Hachipuka said
He also said Government’s support to international trade fairs is not unique to Zimbabwe but is common practice in many developed and developing countries.
“We will be forwarding a report through our ministry on our findings and recommendations,” Mr Hachipuka said.
He said although the number of companies exhibiting at this year’s trade fair is less than last year’s.
Mr Hachipuka also said ZITF intends to restructure the trade fair and Mukuba Hotel so that they can operate as a single entity under Zambia Industrial and Commercial Show Society.
He said there is great need to make a meaningful investment into the Zambia Industrial and Commercial Show Society, which at the moment has more liabilities than assets.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) won the best international exhibitor award while South Africa was second best followed by Kenya.
Power supply company, Zesco scooped the best overall exhibitor award while Zambia Sugar Company won the second prize.
Copperbelt University (CBU) won the best interpretation of the theme award.