By CASSEY KAYULA –
THE Government should create a pro-competition policy environment for the private sector to flourish at industry and national levels.
World Bank Group programme manager Peter Nuamah said competition in the market place was critical for economic growth as it fosters more productive firms.
Mr Nuamah said this allows local firms to become more competitive at regional and international levels leading to higher exports.
He said this at the Launch of the CCPC Competition and Consumers Protection survey report in Lusaka yesterday.
Mr Nuamah said for competition to work, stakeholders need to be part of, and engaged in the agenda.
“Ministries must create pro-competition legislation, policies and regulations and are also responsible for key areas like resources allocation and public procurement so should discharge these responsibilities in a pro-competition manner,” he said.
Mr Nuamah said a judiciary that is familiar with the competition legal framework, including its economic aspects was critical for effectiveness of competition law enforcement.
Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, permanent secretary Kayula Siame said vibrant and effective competition was critical to development, growth and poverty reduction.
“As such, competition policy and consumer protection are central priorities to my ministry,” she said.
Ms Kayula said the promotion of competition and consumer protection is designed to create shared prosperity and welfare gains for consumers, businesses and Government.
She said over the last year CCPC with support from Word Bank Group ‘s investment clumsy program and good regulatory practice’s program, conducted a nationwide survey on perceptions and awareness of CCPC in Zambia.
“736 consumers, 298 businesses and stakeholders from law firms,business associations and society and Government regulators were surveyed over the past year and a half,” Ms Kayula said.
CCPC executive director Chilufya Sampa said the commission had introduced a new tool; the survey monkey meant to reach out to the public.
He said it was a survey platform that would reduce the time of feedback and cost of prints compared to physical questionnaire approach.