By MAIMBOLWA MULIKELELA –
BAKER Tilly Gwatidzo Zambia has been launched with an investment of about US$500,000, demonstrating continued confidence in the Zambian economy.
Baker Tilly Gwatidzo is an independent member of Baker Tilly International, the world’s 8th largest network of accounting and business advisory firms, with a presence in more than 141 countries.
The firm has eight partners spread across its locations in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana.
Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe said the Government was committed to providing a conducive environment for business to prosper.
In a speech read for her by the ministry chief economist, Boniface Kunda, Ms Mwanakatwe said the Government considers the private sector as an engine for economic growth and as a primary source of job and wealth creation.
“This is a practical illustration of the continued confidence that both local and foreign investors have in the current Zambian Government,” she said.
Ms Mwanakatwe said the ministry was committed to promoting a strong and vibrant economy by working closely with the private sector.
Baker Tilly Gwatidzo group chief executive officer, Phibion Gwatidzo said businesses today are faced with increasingly complex challenges like changing Government regulations, emerging industries and technological advancement.
Mr Gwatidzo said his firm offers a comprehensive range of services to help identify and address business challenges and opportunities.
“Our audit and accounting professionals examine and attest to the financial performance of businesses. Beyond audit and review services, we offer a range of other services, such as due diligence, business valuations, audit preparation, compilations, taxation and accounting,” Mr Gwatidzo said.
He said his firm was also diligent in assisting businesses to meet the tax compliance obligation so as to avoid onerous penalties.
And Baker Tilly International chief executive officer and president Geoff Barnes said the southern African region was of high strategic importance to the network.
He explained that Baker Tilly network started in 1987 as a small group of firms in 20 countries, with combined revenues of about US$200 million.
Baker Tilly today is an international network of independent professional services, represented in 141 countries with 28,000 people and combined fee income of US$3.8 billion.