GOVT URGED TO REMAIN CONSULTATIVE ON ECONOMIC ISSUES

By Lumbiwe Mwanza

THE Government should strive to remain transparent and consultative with relevant stakeholders concerning issues of the economy, Center for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) Executive Director Isaac Mwaipopo has said.

Mr. Mwaipopo told The Scoop that promoting an inclusive environment where all stakeholders were engaged will help Zambia to achieve socio-economic development.

He noted that the New Dawn Government’s economic recovery plan was progressive and that if well harnessed, will help the country attain the various economic agendas.

“The Government should ensure that the set guidelines towards the economic recovery plan are consistent and that there is sustained transparency and relevant stakeholders are engaged with the view to achieve an inclusive and thriving economy in the different key sectors,” Mr. Mwaipopo said.

He urged the Government to continue building consensus   with the people as they were the ones who had to live with the   consequences of policy actions not in tandem with their aspirations.

He said that it was critical that a local consensus with citizens was built for a long term period as it would help get the buy-in of members of the public.

He said that with the success of the debt restructuring, there must be a more clearer economic roadmap to foster business confidence and to help citizens understand other socio economic development goals.

“In an effort to foster public trust in the Government, economic activities conducted must be guided by the principles of transparency, integrity, and accountability while building consensus with the citizens,” he explained.

He added that the need for all stakeholders to work with the Government to improve economic performance was the surest path towards attaining large scale, lasting impacts.