President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA says Government is committed to fostering private sector development as it is at the Centre of the country’s economic turnaround.
President HICHILEMA says Government will this month launch the Public Private Partnership dialogue for development, a platform which will be used to interact with businesses on how to continue improving the operating environment.
He has reiterated Government’s resolve to ensuring that investments are supported by good governance and rule of law.
The Head of State said this when he officially unveiled the Standard Chartered Bank Headquarters in Lusaka constructed at a cost of 40 million dollars.
President HICHILEMA said such an investment demonstrates Standard Chartered Bank’s commitment to the Zambian economy and also means that the Bank cannot easily exit the country.
He said Government will stand with businesses to ensure that they are treated fairly and ensure the operating environment is clear, consistent and predictable.
President HICHILEMA noted that Standard Chartered Bank has been a key partner with Government in various sectors.
He said the Bank is expected to make loan facilities available to businesses at fair rates as this will spur growth in an accelerated manner.
And Standard Chartered Bank Chief Executive Officer Africa and Middle East SUNIL KAUSHAL said large pools of capital is waiting to come into Zambia and that the Bank will be the spokesperson for the country which he said has a lot of potential.
Mr. KAUSHAL said one of the programs launched by the Bank is to create opportunities for youths by investing in their vocational training.
Meanwhile, Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Chief Executive Officer HERMAN KASEKENDE explained that the Building housing the Bank is a green building and is energy efficient.
Mr. KASEKENDE said Standard Chartered Bank has invested massively in digital technology and is happy to partner with Government in Public Private Partnership projects.
