The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) held a meeting with the Zambia Chinese Association on Friday 5th January 2024 to discuss enhanced business facilitation for its affiliate members that have set up various businesses in Zambia.
Speaking at the event, ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa commended the businesses present at the meeting for choosing to do business in Zambia.
Mr. Halwampa noted that the companies which had, had the option to set up business in other African countries, chose Zambia as their investment destination, which he emphasized was the best choice.
He assured the Chinese business community of continued Government facilitation and support to their investment in the country such as a waiver on visa requirements for visitors from China; promotion of investments in Zambia like energy, agriculture, mining and tourism among others.
“The government has put in place policy consistency, which makes it easier to plan. In addition, government has also established the Public Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF) that seeks to facilitate for the participation of the private sector in business” Mr. Halwampa said.
In recognition of the wide membership of the association, which is in excess of 300, Mr. Halwampa called for more meetings to be held with the ZDA on a regular basis in order to address any issues or challenges that may arise.
He was accompanied by ZDA senior management to the meeting where a presentation was also made to the members present. Director Investments, Chimuka Nketani presented on the benefits of investing in Zambia stressing points like the wide market access. “This stems from Zambia’s link to 8+1 neighbouring countries which increases market access to almost 200 million from the nation’s population of about 20 million people,” said Mr. Nketani.
He noted that this market access exponentially expands with inclusion of COMESA and AfCFTA.
He also highlighted the investment areas of interest which includes agriculture, mining, tourism and manufacturing among others.
Issues raised by members from the association, included investor and work permits facilitation, and tax issues.
