*CANADIAN HIGH COMMISSION SALUTES COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS IN EQUIPPING 35 ZAMBIAN MANUFACTURERS*
The Canadian High Commission in Zambia has saluted the collaborative efforts of the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) and the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) in equipping 35 manufacturers with skills in standards compliance, access to finance, and trade facilitation.
Head of Office for the Canadian High Commission in Zambia, Corry Van Gaal, emphasized the importance of MSMEs in driving innovation, job creation, and industrial resilience.
She also addressed the challenges faced by MSMEs, such as access to finance and adherence to international quality standards, while advocating for policy reforms to enhance Zambia’s export competitiveness.
This was revealed in a speech delivered on her behalf by the Trade Commissioner at the Canadian High Commission in Zambia, Solomon Milimbo, during the Exporters’ Competitiveness Close-Out Event in Lusaka.
Ms. Gaal reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to advancing gender equality and fostering inclusive economic growth.
She said the event marked a milestone in the journey of Zambian manufacturers, setting the stage for their future success in regional and international markets.
Earlier, Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM) CEO Muntanga Lindunda emphasized the event’s focus on capacity building and mentorship for small and medium businesses, particularly ZAM members, to successfully penetrate export markets.
She extended gratitude to the Canadian High Commission for partnering in the execution of the project.
Ms. Lindunda highlighted the project’s role in fostering growth, competitiveness, and sustainability among SME members, noting their importance in driving industrialization, job creation, and economic resilience.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Development Director-Small and Medium Enterprises Bernadette Mwakacheya emphasized that the transformative project aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of Zambian manufacturing MSMEs in regional and international export trade.
She highlighted the Ministry’s mandate to promote the development of cooperatives and small businesses, recognizing the significant benefits of regional trade.
Ms. Mwakacheya noted the project’s timely inception as Zambia prepares to commence trade under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
She commended ZAM and CFLI for their collaborative approach and encouraged beneficiaries to venture boldly into the African market.
Ms. Mwakacheya expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and participants for their commitment to the project’s success.
