Regulatory services set for fine-tuning

THE Business Regulatory Review Agency

(BRRA) intends to partner with various regulatory agencies, including local authorities, to seek ways of improving access to regulatory services in Mpika.

The engagements with the regulators will seek ways to simplify procedures for regulating businesses to promote a conducive business environment, says BRRA Executive Director, Sharon Sichilongo.

Ms Sichilongo said this after expressing concern at the lack of easy access to regulatory services in the districts.

She therefore affirmed BRRA’s commitment to ensuring that this matter was addressed.

She said this during the Agency’s engagement meetings with District Chambers of Commerce and Industry. “The Agency’s desire that regulatory services should be easily available to all businesses and at the least cost possible.

“The Business Regulatory Act No. 3 of 2014 promotes provision of regulatory services through Regulatory Services Centres (RSCs) which facilitate easy access to various regulatory services offered by several regulatory agencies through one location,” Ms Sichilongo said.

In Mpika, the District Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, Alfred Sooka, said despite the area having one of the best climates in Zambia, the district lacked industrial development which could empower the locals. Col. Sooka said Mpika lacked access to business regulatory services and business start-up procedures for businesses were too cumbersome.

Meanwhile, Mwinilunga District Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, Mervis Tembo, commended the Agency for visiting the district to educate members of the Chamber on the provisions of the Business Regulatory Act.