Grow SMEs, Lusaka Security Exchange told

BUUMBA CHIMBULU writes

GOVERNMENT has urged the Lusaka Security Exchange to double its efforts in ensuring that Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) access the facility to expand their businesses.
Ministry of Commerce, Trade and industry acting permanent secretary, Paul Lupunga said he was delighted that Lusaka securities exchange had introduced an initiative to re-engage stakeholders and take stock of impediments to listing on the alternative market.
Mr Lupunga said it was Government’s desire to see the sector grow and graduate to large enterprises through the utilisation of initiatives such as the alternative market
He said this in a speech delivered during the consultative meeting on Lusaka securities exchange on alternative markets.
“Lusaka securities exchange alternative market is in line with numerous policy documents, strategies and programmes that the Government of the Republic of Zambia is implementing in a bid to develop a vibrant small and medium enterprises sector,
“Notable among these key documents are; the vision 2030, the Seventh National Development Plan, the National Industrial Policy and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Policy” he said.
Mr Lupunga implored the private sector, in particular the SMEs to take advantage of alternative market initiative and grow their businesses.
He urged the Lusaka Security Exchange to double their efforts in marketing and sensitization of the facility countrywide on radio and television, adding that would enable more SMEs access the Facility.