President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has launched the Public Private Dialogue Forum -PPDF- aimed at promoting economic growth and development through public -private partnerships.
President HICHILEMA says the PPDF is aimed at creating the much needed jobs for the country which will in turn promote social and economic development.
He says there is need to drive economic development for the good of the country which will expand the market for the private sector.
President HICHILEMA adds that government recognizes the private sector as engine of innovation and job creation hence working to eliminate the limitations that they previously faced of having their recommendations not being addressed.
Launching the PPDF in Lusaka today, President HICHILEMA said he now wants to hear more of Zambia being land-linked and not landlocked by tapping into the investments potential through becoming a regional hub for various products.
He said his team will ensure actions are taken on recommendations tabled during engagements with the private sector.
The Head of State who is Chairperson of the PPDF said he wants to bring an end to bureaucracy in government offices to promote development for the private sector.
He expressed happiness that former Zambia Development Agency -ZDA- Director General ANDREW CHIPWENDE has agreed to run the PPDF Secretariat and urged him to build a strong team of talented people to work with.
The President also urged the soon to be constituted PPDF steering committee not to leave out women in business.
The President also said he expects high levels of transparency from the private sector to make the PPDF deliver results and refrain from corruption.
He thanked the International Finance Corporation -IFC- a unit of the World Bank Group for the technical and financial support rendered to government to promote economic growth.
And -IFC- Senior Country Manager CARLOS KATSUYA said the forum is intended to be a structured platform between government and the private sector to spur economic growth.
Mr. KASUYA said the IFC, a private sector unit of the World Bank Group has enjoyed warm relations with Zambia over the years.
He expressed happiness that the PPDF is being launched after Zambia adopted its Eighth National Development Plan which will be key in its implementation.
Mr. KASUYA whose mandate extends to Angola, Mozambique, Botswana and Zambia among others noted that the IFC is ready to extend its expertise acquired over the years to the implementation of the PPD.
Meanwhile CHRISTOPH RITZ who spoke for the Cooperating Partners Group said it would be useful to focus the PPDF on job creation which government is targeting.
Mr. RITZ added that any tax relief should be given based on the number of jobs to be created and sustained.
And Acting Secretary to the Cabinet PATRICK KANGWA said the President’s attendance demonstrates his commitment and resolve to pursue private sector led growth.
He said the forum provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to find solutions to challenges faced.
Mr. KANGWA called on delegates to be open in their deliberations
