HH Addresses Private Public Dialogue Forum

Today at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, we gave a key note address to the first ever Private Public Dialogue (PPD) forum themed, "A Zambia With a Conducive Business Environment Supportive to Jobs and Wealth".

It was exciting to see a convergence of opinions as various panelists exchanged creative ideas on how the Private and Public Sectors, as well as other partners can work with Government to deliver economic dividends to the people of Zambia.

We reiterated our long held position that Government and the Private Sector should not be on opposite sides, but work together on the same team to build our economy.

We talked about Zambia's potential to unlock growth in the region by facilitating strong links between the public and private sectors with our neighbours as we unlock opportunities for trade and investment.

We implored the PPDF to map out exactly how we should work through their most pressing issues because time is against us. We must act now.

Real cooperation and partnerships will create more jobs for our people. Finally, we promised the PPDF that the issues they raise will be listened to at the highest level. It's time to put our country back on track.

We commended the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Government aimed at supporting the PPDF for years to come.

Hakainde Hichilema,

President of the Republic of Zambia