• The PPDF must become the epicenter where policy and industry expertise will converge.
• Its mandate should be reinforced by a clear legal backing.
• The PPDF will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to find solutions to critical challenges.
Ndola Chamber of Commerce and Industry says Public Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF) which was launched yesterday by President Hakainde Hichilema will help Zambia climb up the economic ladder.
Speaking to Money FM News, Chamber President Paul Chisunka says the private sector expects the Forum to become the epicenter where policy and industry expertise will converge to positively transform Zambia’s economic fortunes through the collective input of government and business leaders.
Mr. Chisunka noted that a direct link and dedicated round table where private sector gate keepers and the executive arm of government could effectively and intimately communicate, coordinate, and cooperate on major business reforms to build the country’s productive capacities through sustained constructive dialogue was missing for many years.
He said the mandate of the Public Private Dialogue Forum should be reinforced by a clear legal backing and should maximize the use of existing institutional frameworks within the ministries, chambers of commerce, professional bodies, and development partners, among other key stakeholders to build collective responsibility.
“We see the PPDF as an unbreakable marriage which should be further consummated by ensuring that it bears quantifiable results in form of traceable impact which should be demonstrated by reduced government bureaucracy, elimination of corruption and political interference in the business environment, targeted public and private sector reforms to reduce the cost of doing business, increase public-private partnerships, and increased private sector investments in the Zambian economy,” Mr. Chisunka stated.
On Wednesday, President Hakainde Hichilema launched the Public Private Dialogue Forum with a call for partnership with the private sector to drive economic growth in the country.
The Head of State said the PPDF will provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to find solutions to critical challenges affecting economic growth as Government is committed to enhancing trade for the private sector in the country.
