By Benadetta Chiwanda Mia:
Investment analyst Regina Nzima has emphasised the need for Malawi to harmonise trade efforts between public and private sectors to attract meaningful investments.
Nzima noted that collaboration across these sectors could bolster partnerships crucial for maximising investment opportunities in Malawi.
“Reducing or eliminating red tape in government institutions is essential for attracting foreign investors,” Nzima said.
She also stressed the importance of establishing a favorable regulatory framework not just for initial market entry but also throughout the process of economic activities.
She said this ahead of the Malawi-EU Investment Forum (MEIF), scheduled for next week in Lilongwe.
Nzima further noted that the success of business ventures with the EU hinges on the commitment of host and foreign countries, the robustness of trade policies, and the effective implementation of existing trade agreements.
However, she pointed out that the forum provides Malawi with a level playing field to ensure fair treatment of foreign investors and to facilitate foreign investment by promoting a stable and predictable investment climate.
“This also encourages sustainable development with respect to human rights, sound labor practices, and robust corporate social responsibility programs,” Nzima added.
In an interview, Ministry of Trade spokesperson Patrick Botha revealed that the investment forum will focus on energy, tourism, and mining sectors.
“The focus areas align with the ATM strategy aimed at realizing the Malawi 2063 vision. We are thrilled that preparations are at a well advanced stage, with several international participants already registered,” Botha said.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering meaningful investment through local and foreign partnerships, which are key to job creation and value addition.
“Our goal is to move away from exporting raw materials, particularly in mining, and towards fostering economic growth through manufacturing and industrialisation, which are among the pillars of the Malawi 2063 vision. We are working alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Malawi Investment and Trade Center, the National Planning Commission, the Ministry of Mining, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the private sector,” he added.
The forum will be held under the theme ‘Global Gateway: Creating Sustainable Investment Opportunities and Strengthening EU-Malawi Economic Ties.’
0 Comments