The first ever ‘Malawi Investment
Forum’ offers great opportunity to local companies, but they have to foster
partnerships with foreign investors first.
Begining this Monday to Tuesday,
Malawi is hosting investment forum where participants drawn from across the
world with intent to invest in the country.
Over 230 local companies have
confirmed their participation to the Forum as of Saturday, where among them
includes 70 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The SMEs will attend the forum
and have their products and services exhibited outside the Bingu Internatioal
conference hall. Malawi had planned to invite 30 SMEs but has raised the number
to 70.
"As Malawi, and as Ministry
of Industry and Trade we are encouraging partnership between private
sector" says Minister of Industry and Trade Hon. Joseph Mwanamvekha
"We would have wanted
that investment in every investment coming in Malawi, also Malawians should
participate. Companies from Malawi individuals from Malawi they need to
participate because that is how we can develop” he emphasized
“But, if it is only foreign
investors then when the profit is made most of it will go out. However, if
Malawians participate it means part of it will remain in Malawi.” he said
Mwanamvekha then appealed
"Partnerships or joint ventures are important. And I would kindly request
Malawian companies to take advantage of this forum.”
"Partnerships are key
because this country can only develop if Malawians own the companies, if they
own the companies then it means the economic empowerment is taking place.” he
said, "And there will be very little externalization of dividends to
outside, that is why am encourage them to take advantage of the forum and meet
other investors that are coming so that they form joint partnerships and joint
ventures.”
The two day conference, is to
show case seven opportunity areas in the seven sectors of Mining, Agriculture
and Agro-processing, Energy, manufacturing, Infrastructure, Tourism and
Financial Services. The country expects to generate prospective investment of
up to US $16 billion which is K7.2 trillion.
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