ESTHER MSETEKA, Lusaka
AS THE Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) commemorates the manufacturing week, the association has called on consumers to embrace indigenous products to grow the sector’s base to promote industrialisation and job creation.
ZAM is hosting a manufacturing week from October 12 and ends on the 17th aimed at strengthening the manufacturing sector, increasing visibility and adding value to peoples’ lives.
Launching the manufacturers’ week last Friday, association president Bright Chunga said, “Promoting the consumption of locally produced products will help build confidence and preference for indigenously manufactured goods and services.”
Dr Chunga says there is need to recognise the role manufacturing companies play in transforming the country’s social economic development, especially in industrialisation and job creation.
He said it is encouraging to witness Government’s efforts in identifying the sector as being central to sustainable opportunities for wealth creation and capital growth within the national development policy framework.
Dr Chunga said the manufacturing sector has witnessed growth in the last few years, contributing an average of about nine per cent to the gross domestic product.
“The sector as a whole is making that contribution to the transformation by enhancing the sectors input to Zambia’s socio-economic development,” he said.
This years’ theme is dubbed “Celebrating 50 years of Manufacturing Progress and setting the stage for Accelerated Industrialisation and Economic Transformation through Local Content.”
Commenting on the event, Dr Chunga said the manufacturing week seeks to highlight issues that adversely affect the growth of the sector.
“The theme not only recognises the progress that has been scored in the development of the manufacturing sector but also points to the need to augment, accelerate growth, and foster transformation by promoting local content that is significantly integrating the domestic manufacturing sector in Government procurement,” he said.