By JAMES MUYANWA and MAIMBOLWA MULIKELELA-
THE Government has set up an investigation and advisory committee that will help ascertain the negative impact increased imports may have caused or threaten to cause on the domestic industry.
Commerce, Trade and Industry Permanent Secretary Siazongo Siakalenge said the ministry, in accordance with the Control of Goods Act Cap 421 Amendment number 12 of 2004, had constituted the investigations and advisory committees after receiving a complaint from the industry.
In an interview in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Siakalenge said the committee had started receiving applications from the industry, saying that it would soon be meeting to assess the negative impact increased imports could have on the local companies.
“Yes the minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry after receiving a complaint from one of the local industries has set up a committee in accordance with the law that governs the application of safeguards in Zambia,” he said.
The mandate of the investigation committee is to conduct investigations to determine whether goods are being imported in such increased quantities and if such conditions cause or threaten to cause serious injury to the local industry.
Mr Siakalenga, who is chairing the committee, said it would provide the advisory services to the Minister on whether or not to impose a safeguard measure based on the findings.
“We are still receiving applications from the domestic industry that have experienced a negative impact by increased imports,” Mr Siakalenga said.
And through an advertisement currently running in the Press, the ministry invites applications from the domestic industry that may have experienced a negative impact by increased imports.
“In so doing, producers should apply individually or through an industrial/business association which should assist the producers to submit a consolidated application by players in that sector that have been negatively affected by increased imports,” partly reads the advertisement signed by Mr Siakalenge.
The permanent secretary could, however, not state the time frame for the committee and when exactly it would present its report.