Zambia’s diversification programme cheers Japan
JAPAN will continue to support Zambia’s diversification efforts to ensure that it becomes a middle income state by 2030, says Japanese ambassador to Zambia Hidenobu Sobashima
Mr. Sobashima said his country was aware of the need for Zambia to diversify its economy hence supporting all Government’s efforts in driving the agenda.
“Zambia will become a middle income country by 2030, for this purpose, Government is promoting diversification of the economy which is currently heavily dependent on mining industry,
“Diversifying the mining industry is under consideration. We admire efforts of Government and we would like to support these efforts for Zambia to become a prosperous middle income country,” he said.
He was speaking in Lusaka recently at the 2018 National Kaizen Conference held under the theme “Transforming Zambia through Continuous Improvement towards International Competitiveness.”
And Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary, Kayula Siame, said Government was aware of Zambia’s commitment to enhance Zambia’s competitiveness by promoting technology-based, diversified and export-focused manufacturing sector to achieve the vision of becoming a prosperous middle income country by 2030.
Ms. Siame said Zambia also needed to be dynamic and competitive with effective entities that added value to the locally abundant natural raw resources.
“The importance of enhancing competitiveness at national and international levels through quality improvement cannot be overemphasized. It is proven that when you pursue quality, the following results happen:
“Cost reduction, productivity improvement, competitiveness improvement (market share increase), business sustainability; and job creation,” she said.
Ms Siame further said ultimately, Zambia’s capacity to raise the standard of living depended on the ability to raise incomes which depended on the increased output per worker.