Toyota Zambia investment cheers State

 

By ALEX NJOVU

 

MINISTER of Commerce, Trade and Industry Felix Mutati has commended Toyota Zambia for spending about US$3 million on refurbishing its Copperbelt branch in Kitwe.
Mr Mutati said Government is happy that Toyota Zambia has continued implementing viable programmes that are benefitting the local people.
The minister was speaking yesterday during the official reopening of the refurbished Toyota Zambia offices in Kitwe.
“As Government, we are proud of what you are doing in terms of investment. We are happy that you are contributing to reducing unemployment by creating job opportunities for our people,” he said.
In a speech read by Kitwe district commissioner Macdonald Mtine, Mr Mutati hailed the company for showing confidence in the economy of the country.
Mr Mutati assured the Toyota Zambia management Government will continue creating an enabling environment for investment to thrive.
He commended the company for embarking on infrastructure development, which is also creating job opportunities for Zambians.
“Government remains committed to promoting local products, and we are also keen to ensure that we create wealth and jobs for our people. This is why we are happy that companies like Toyota Zambia have remained good partners in the development of Zambia.
“We would also like to challenge the motor vehicle industry to explore the sector further so that it can continue to benefit Zambians. Who knows, maybe we can start manufacturing motor vehicle spare parts,” he said.
Mr Mutati said Government offers well-balanced and attractive packages to investors in priority sectors for development purposes.
“The Lusaka Multi-facility Economic Zone also offers an opportunity to Toyota Zambia to set up a plant there. I want to urge you (Toyota Zambia) to work closely with the Zambia Development Agency and the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission to ensure that you have agents in selected provinces in Zambia,” MrMutati said.
And Toyota Zambia group leader in charge of Africa strategy Yoshitaka Shinhara said the Copperbelt is one of the most important and promising markets in Africa.
“We have decided to make further investments of approximately US$3 million and expand our facility to provide excellent services to our customers,” MrShinhara said.