PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS AT PPDF

President Hakainde Hichilema yesterday addressed delegates at the 2nd Private Sector Day during the Public Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF) at Ciela Resort in Chongwe. Here are the key highlights:

– President Hichilema noted that, before debt restructuring, the country was projected to pay US$7.5 billion in ten years. After restructuring, the revised amount is now US$750 million over the same period.

– During a recent meeting, French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to co-chair Zambian debt restructuring alongside China.

– Government is committed to redirecting funds from wasteful expenditure to the Agriculture Credit Window, to be managed by the private sector (banks).

– Adequate financing will be created for agriculture and other sectors.

– President Hichilema urged Farmers Union president Javis Zimba to increase production per hectare as Government mobilises resources.

– The President suggested involving professionals from the private sector in government transactions, including projects.

– Private sector entities should not fear engaging foreign specialists, as their database is being developed for periodic engagement.

– Nickel production will soon be introduced in the country, transforming the mining sector.

– PPDF and PDU should complement government efforts in attracting mining investments.

– The China trip revitalised Shaft 28 in Luanshya, creating more jobs.

– Government encourages positive interactions between old and new businesses.

– Foreign investors should engage local partners in running their businesses.

– PPDF and PDU should work on lowering capital and business costs as Government aims to make the country a 24-hour economy.

– PPDF should incorporate technical assistance without considering skin color, and race should not be an issue.

– Government is finding a lasting solution to theft without damaging businesses post the removal of roadblocks.

– The President assured that PPDF is here to stay.

– Zambia, as the largest producer of emerald globally, faces challenges in accessing jewels for Zambian jewelry, necessitating a resolution.

– 20% of mining materials must be available for local value manufacturers.

– The President commended local businesses for supporting PPDF and PDU.

– He encouraged businesses to engage in positive discussions to unlock rigidities in the country.

– President Hichilema emphasised the need to accelerate agriculture production and processing.

– Government is proud of Zambia’s status as the largest emerald producer and urges the private sector to explore production opportunities and value addition.

– PPDF should be all-inclusive in doing business, promoting domestic transactions, and reducing pressure on foreign exchange demand.

– Private sector entities should demand that Government stops importing uniforms for Soldiers, Nurses, and police officers.

– The President assured that Government will practice positive discrimination by buying local products, such as Compound D fertilizer, as long as the quality and pricing are satisfactory.

– All pharmaceutical procurement must be done locally going forward.

– PPDF, PDU, and all government wings must be ambitious in setting targets.

– Efforts should focus on addressing illegal imports that distort the Zambian economy.

– Everyone should work towards producing for export and implementing measures to boost foreign exchange earnings.

– Government is addressing visa-related issues to attract more tourist investment.

– Relevant authorities should work on eliminating immigration barriers and bureaucracies when employing specialised skills from outside.

– The President directed that the multiplicity of licenses and agencies needs to be addressed.