Music must not be taken for granted – Mwanakatwe

Commerce Trade and Industry Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe

Commerce Trade and Industry Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe says the universal acceptance and the strategic use of intellectual property offers an opportunity for individuals, businesses and countries to convert their creative resources into economic assets capable of generating wealth and contributing to a more secure future that generates sustainable jobs and incomes.

In a speech read on her behalf by commerce acting Permanent Secretary Mateyo Bwembya at the commemoration of the world intellectual property day under the theme “Get up Stand up for Music” Ms. Mwanakatwe says it is essential for a culture that creators, composers, songwriters and performers are able to enjoy a decent economic existence through deriving economic value from their music.

She adds that enormous artistic, personal and social economic efforts goes into the creation and performance of music thus the country must find a way of ensuring its sustainability in the modern economies.

Ms. Mwanakatwe further states that music should not be taken for granted but should be valued as an important aspect for trade, investment and economic development.

And speaking earlier, Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) Chief Executive Officer Anthony Bwembya says a strong national commitment to intellectual property system ensures the establishment of an environment within which the creative and innovative potential of a country may flourish.

And Zambia Association of Musicians (ZAM) President Njoya Tembo says music has the potential to create jobs for the people.