GOVT IMPLEMENTING REFORMS TO REDUCE COST OF DOING BUSINESS-VEEP

By Cecilia Chiluba

Vice President Mutale Nalumango says government is implementing several reforms to reduce the cost of doing business in a bid to support inclusive economic growth.

Officiating at the Labour Day commemoration in Lusaka, Mrs. Nalumango stated that government is also prioritizing local businesses in the procurement of public works and provision of goods and services.

She said government is promoting local manufacturing industries to create wealth and jobs for the citizens, through the Proudly Zambian Campaign and Local Content Strategy.

Mrs. Nalumango added that Government is also providing affordable finance through the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

“Government is reforming Public Pension Schemes in the country. This will not only enhance pension benefits, but will also improve compliance by employers and administration of pension schemes.”

“For instance, the NAPSA Penalty Waiver period has been extended for a further twelve months. This is aimed at easing compliance burdens caused by the 2024 drought and energy crisis,” Mrs. Nalumango stated.

She urged all eligible employers to take advantage of the napsa penalty waiver extension.

Mrs. Nalumango also said this year’s Labour Day theme which is; “Shaping Zambia’s Future of Work through Home-Grown Solutions for Inclusive Economic Growth,” is in line with the country’s development aspirations.

She emphasized that the theme calls for collaborative efforts in utilising home-grown solutions to achieve inclusive economic growth.

“As a Province, we must take advantage of local resources to contribute to the growth of the national economy and create jobs for our people.”

“It is only through home-grown solutions that we can attain inclusive economic growth,” she emphasized.

And Mrs. Nalumango encouraged workers in the country as workers, to use technology to improve their performance, innovate, solve problems, do business and deliver services to the people.

“In today’s fast-changing world, we need to be innovative if we are to be productive. The country needs workers capable of turning challenges into opportunities, workers that are productive, professional and disciplined.”

“Technology will continue to change the way we work. our country needs to respond to this reality by adopting locally developed technologies for improved productivity,”she added.