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Government says the vast raw materials in agriculture, forestry among others offer opportunities for value addition through forward linkages to manufacturing and agro-processing.
Officiating at the Zambia International Trade Fair business forum in Ndola on Thursday, acting Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Felix Mutati, said this also offers opportunities of increased production and exportation of non-traditional exports to markets.
Mutati said as the country attracts investments, government’s focus is to promote value-addition of locally sourced raw materials in priority sub-sectors such as the textiles and garments.
He identified other areas as engineering products, wood and wood products, leather and leather products, mineral processing and beneficiation, pharmaceuticals and blue economy.
“Undoubtedly, if the culture of excelling in value addition activities of locally sourced raw materials is enhanced, it will contribute significantly to Zambia’s sustainable development,” Mutati said.
He reiterated that government aspires to deliver a prosperous middle-income economy that offers opportunities for all Zambians of different skills and background, by harnessing opportunities for economic diversification and growth.
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“Economic diversification offers opportunities to realise additional jobs and benefits from Zambia’s vast endowment of natural and human resources,” Mutati said.
He said Zambians, both from rural and urban areas will benefit from a stronger and diversified economy supported by a strong manufacturing base.
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