• Manufacturers need measures that will support the local industry.
• We are grateful of the policies that are already in place.
• Government should do more to ensure the manufacturing sector can thrive.

Zambia Association of Manufactures (ZAM) says the country must be aware that the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCTA) will expose the manufacturing sector to cheaper products produced by more efficient competitive economies.
Association Chief Executive Officer Florence Muleya told Money FM News in an interview that this might further worsen the trade deficit currently being faced, hence manufacturers need measures that will support the local industry.
Ms. Muleya said sector players are grateful for the policies that are already in place but that government should do more to ensure that the manufacturing industry can flourish.
She stated that government must look at policies that will be required in recognition of the inadequate energy for production, as this will allow for trade in a larger regional market.
“We expect that the government will do more to ensure that the manufacturing sector can thrive.”
“Some of the policies that will be required in recognition of the inadequate energy for production, will allow for trade in a larger regional market for Zambia’s originating goods where domestic products will freely compete in potentially increasing non-traditional exports and export earnings,” Ms. Muleya stated.