NKWETO MFULA, Chingola
CHINGOLA Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) has called on Government to consider coming up with a blueprint which will support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) growth by offering tax incentives, if they are to contribute positively towards the economic growth of the country.
In an interview on Friday, CCCI president Freddie Musonda said SMEs are the engine of the economy and should be given an enabling environment for doing business for them to grow.
“There is need to also consider giving tax incentives to the local business community,” he said.
Mr Musonda said Government should come up with a road map to help promote SMEs by a way of giving them tax incentives.
“Tax incentives should be extended to the local players as they also play a role in the country’s economic growth through the establishment of business ventures which result in job creation,” he said.
Earlier, during the Pick ‘n’ Pay stores open day last Thursday, Chingola Mayor Titus Tembo said the opening of the store will give people a choice of where to buy goods.
Mr Tembo, who toured the store situated in the central district business expected to be opened to the public this Thursday, called on other investors to consider investing in Chingola.
“Our appeal is that other investors should emulate what Pick ‘n’ Pay has done by coming to invest in the mining town which solely is dependent on mining activities,” he said.
Giving a vote of thanks, Chingola Central ward councillor Cuthbert Kalebaila commended the chain store for having considered to establish its presence in Chingola.
“We are hopeful that Pick ‘n’ Pay will network with the SMEs in the district with a view to enabling the stakeholders to grow through the supply chain,” Mr Kalebaila said.