GOVERNMENT is in the process of developing a national industrial policy aimed at promoting manufacturing to create jobs for the people.

Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Margaret Mwanakatwe said during a business forum in Ndola yesterday that Government has started implementing a number of initiatives in the national industrial policy.

She said Government has availed K220 million through the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission to facilitate the implementation of the policy.

Mrs Mwanakatwe also said there is need to scale up the local processing of goods and value addition to agricultural products so that Zambia can start exporting high value finished products.

“Engaging in value addition and processing of our agricultural products will enable us as a country to reduce dependency on export of copper ore and primary agricultural products, which leaves us vulnerable in most cases to external shocks,” Mrs Mwanakatwe said.
MUBANGA NONDO
Ndola

Source: The Daily Mail