PRESS STATEMENT BY THE CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON ON THE DECISIONS MADE BY CABINET AT THE 6TH CABINET MEETING IN THE YEAR 2022, HELD ON MONDAY, 21ST MARCH, 2022
His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia Mr. Hakainde Hichilema called for the 6th Cabinet Meeting in the Year 2022, held on Monday, 21st March, to discuss general policy issues.
Engaging the Public and Private Sector to foster Private Sector and Economic Development.
Cabinet approved the Public – Private Dialogue mechanism aimed at fostering private sector development, inclusive growth and economic development in the country.
The Public – Private Dialogue mechanism will provide a Forum at which the Public and Private Sectors will freely engage on policy issues that will facilitate the socio-economic transformation. It will not only provide a platform at which stakeholders and beneficiaries will be sensitised on policy issues, knowledge sharing, advocating for change, increasing ownership of the country’s transformation agenda and improving transparency in decision making, but also facilitate the exploring of medium and long-term co-financing opportunities from Private Sector, Government and Development Partners.
The Public – Private Dialogue which will be referred to as the Forum for Public and Private Engagement, will be anchored in the Office of the President and will be chaired by the President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema. To ensure effective operation of the Forum for Public and Private Engagement, a Secretariat will be established in partnership with key private sector umbrella organisations to set the Agenda for the Forum and lead coordination and day-to-day activities.
The implementation of the proposed Public – Private Dialogue mechanism will unlock and create investment opportunities in the country and will further accelerate social economic development, resulting in job creation, increased access to income and social services. It will further enhance communication and outreach to beneficiaries and stakeholders, hence ensure success and ownership of the development initiatives.
Cabinet is convinced that the proposed Public – Private Dialogue mechanism, if well implemented, will systematically address the many policy, institutional, legal and regulatory barriers to investment and also to provide an enabling environment for the private sector and general economic development for the good of the Nation at large.
Hon. Chushi Kasanda, MP
MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND MEDIA AND CHIEF GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON