Mutharika promises strong govt, private sector partnership
President Peter Mutharika |
The
President launched the Compendium on Wednesday evening at Kamuzu Palace in
Lilongwe during National Dialogue on Private Sector Development an interface
with business community where they discussed in camera with the President on
several challenges they are facing as well as outline ways to enhance good
business environment.
The
compendium has been formed following President Mutharika’s directive to all
Ministries to put together a compendium of investment opportunities in Malawi.
And the president said he is glad that the task has been done on time and has
described it as a “very high quality compendium.”
“After
50 years of independence, today the Government of Malawi and the private sector
are launching Malawi’s first ever Bankable Projects Compendium” he said
On
the importance of engaging with the business community, President Mutharika
said “Taking into account the current economic situation, there is no better
time than now for Government and the private sector to share notes for the good
of our beloved country Malawi.”
He
promised that his government has an ear for grievances and suggestions that
business communities have and can work together to find solutions.
“Today
I ask you to speak freely about the challenges that you are facing in view of
the investment opportunities in Malawi, as they are challenges that this nation
faces as a whole. Today shall be a day where we speak with one another, rather
than at each other. Today we will be speaking in year 2064” said President
Mutharika
He
said government continues to give high priority to developing and strengthening
the capacity of the private sector to participate effectively in investment,
production and trade.
He
hailed the private sector for paying taxes without which the Government of Malawi
would be unable to secure the health, education and safety of citizens.
“Therefore, this Government is thankful for your commitment to Malawi and for
the time and capital that you invest.”
The
president acknowledged that private sector is engine of economic growth and
poverty alleviation of Malawi and that given right conditions, it can play many
critical roles including partner with government on improving welfare of the
nation, and seize the export opportunities arising in non-traditional products
and sectors to generate foreign exchange.
President
Mutharika however said there is need for both sides to partner and deliver on their
respective roles.
“This
Government recognises that the private sector can only fulfil its role if the
state provides the right environment for it to thrive. We have sustained a
number of pro-business reforms and continue to introduce more. What we must
realize is that this ‘business environment’ is a complex set of rules and
institutions that can work in favour or against the interests of the people
that operate within it.”
“At
the moment, the business environment is undergoing an evolution. It is time for
adaptation. In this regard, Government is operating on a zero-aid budget. In
the same vein, I wish the private sector adopted the net-exporter drive. It is
up to the existing private sector to demonstrate that there are also
opportunities that can generate enough returns to overcome these constraints. The
Government also believes that more of these opportunities have to be seized so
that we can transform the economy of this nation.”
Mutharika
promised the private sector that it will ensure that there is good environment
for doing business in Malawi. He promised good governance by design and
implementation of sound macro-economic policies, tighten security by giving
adequate resources to security institutions, effective regulatory frameworks where
certain laws that are riddled with discretion shall be reviewed and replace
them with predictable provisions including providing an improved business regulatory
environment.
But
he urged the Private Sector to dwell on making realistic demands from Government
“As an economy let us focus on the strategic direction, hence pritoritise and
match actions accordingly.”
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