By ALICE NACHILEMBE
The Chingola and Chililabombwe Chamber of Commerce have called on government for a win win situation when it comes to doing business with Government and the mining industry.
Speaking on behalf of the two Chambers, Chingola Chamber of Commerce President Freddie Musonda said that they are coming from a situation where speaking on a critical developmental issue was in hushed tones for fear repercussion from non-comprehending parties .
He was speaking at Protea Hotel at the recent held Chingola and Chililabombwe Chambers of Industry end of year stakeholders get together business dinner for captains of industry with theme ‘ Business Opportunities in 2022 & Beyond – in the new dawn administration graced by The Minister of Commerce and Industry Mr Mulenga Chipoka, Minister of Luapula Province Mr Derick Chilundika and Minister of Mines Mr Paul Kabuswe .
Mr Musonda also said that the chamber work with government as per international chamber norms to complement Government efforts as the benefiting private sector.
He said the chamber is looking forward for rebound in 2022 and beyond with new business opportunities.
Mr Musonda said that the new dawn Government should look into matters of the collapsing anchor mining industries on the Copperbelt and gets equity partners to run the mines that evidently are struggling to rump up or maintain production. Mines are key industries in this area.
“We want to see a stop to long payment delays from both government and mining institutions, we don’t want a continuation of the current situation where some companies are paid and others are left out.
“We want to see an end to selective business opportunities and payment in anchor industries,” he said.
He also said that the squeezing of broke businesses by NAPSA, ZRA should be looked into it so that it is relaxed until businesses rebounds.
Mr Musonda said the effects of Covid 19 shut downs, recent night Gassing security scare, the resultant business depressions compounded by low cash flows at the struggling Copper mines has not made it easy for business houses in the two districts.
He said that they want to emulate the North western Chamber of commerce and industry were the chamber and mines work collaboratively in a win win situation to improve on Chamber services for the general growth of other sectors if possible.
“Animal farming, fish farming, Youth incubation trainings, industrial attachments can be enhanced,” he said.
To show the Chingola Chamber of commerce’s commitment to improved service delivery, the Chamber presented to the ministers the; Chingola Chamber strategic plan 2020 to 2023 and Chamber role in Government Policy and planned development in the district documents for the ministers attention
