The Zambia Association of Manufactures has challenged local producers in the country to take advantage of Zambia’s bilateral agreements with other countries to trade at regional and international levels.
ZAM President Roseta Chabala says there is need for local manufactures to begin to compete at regional levels as government’s agreements with other countries has made it easier for local producers to access internal and regional markets.
In an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT Chabala said Zambian manufactures should also take keen interest in producing products that can be exported to other markets to improve the manufacturing industry in the country.
She further noted the need by manufactures to improve the quality of products, packaging and pricing stating them as challenges commonly faced with suppliers hence the need to address these factors if Zambia’s products are to meet regional and international standards.
Chabala further revealed to ZBT that a good number of manufactures are performing well and have gained notable market share outside the country such as Zambeef and Trade kings and has since called on other companies and entrepreneurs to come on board and grow the export industry.
“For those that are joining the industry, I encourage you to be patient, innovative and keep reinvesting as growth in the manufacturing industry does not come easily, so you need to focus and put much efforts and you will definitely grow with time,” she said.
The ZAM president has however appealed to existing and upcoming producers to be efficient and effective in service delivery in order to grow their businesses and gain a larger market share.
