LOCAL Suppliers and Contractors have commended the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema for unlocking the mining sector.
Suppliers and Contractors Representative Elias Mununga said President Hichilema has opened opportunities for the local suppliers and contractors to do business with the right partners.
ZANIS reports that the commendation was made when the suppliers and contractors met President Hakainde Hichilema in Mufulira on Friday.
Mr Mununga charged that by operationalising big mines, suppliers and contractors now have good business.
“This meeting was requested just to say thank you for what you have continued to do precisely for us the suppliers and contractors in the mining sector,” Mr Mununga said.
Mr Mununga however requested the government to ensure foreign owned mines engage Zambian suppliers and contractors.
Meanwhile, President Hichilema said his administration is on a journey to reconstruct the country’s economy for the benefit of all Zambians.
President Hichilema noted that Government wants to attract both local and foreign investments in order to create more businesses for suppliers and contractors.
“We want our local suppliers and contractors to be the ones winning tenders with the bigger mines, don’t limit yourselves,” President Hichilema said.
The Head of State called for unity to take centre stage, urging suppliers to find a common ground when doing business.
President Hichilema advised the suppliers and contractors to change their culture of doing things.
The Head of State noted the issue of dragging matters to court, even those that can be settled outside court.
And Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga said the government remains committed to building the country’s economy with the involvement of the private sector.
Mr Mulenga stated that government wants to ensure Zambians are part of the mining value chain.
He disclosed that the government will by the end of this month create a local content policy aimed at creating valuable business opportunities for locals.