Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe
Government says the promotion of competition and consumer protection in the country’s economy is not designed to hinder business growth but to create a conducive business environment for all players.
Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe says the purpose of competition policy is to facilitate efficient allocation of resources in order to maximize national welfare by means sourcing from an open and competitive environment.
In a speech read on her behalf by Acting Director for Domestic Trade Sunday Chikoti at a media Workshop today, Ms Mwanakatwe has called on the Competition Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) to remove barriers, such as exclusive arrangements, cartels, abuse of dominance and anti-competitive mergers, preventing small and medium scale business from effectively participating in the economic activities.
She says government has put in place legislation to promote competition and consumer welfare saying it is the duty of the Media to sensitize the business community and the general public on the provisions of the law as regards vices such as price fixing, exclusive dealings among other laws.
And Mrs. Mwanakatwe has challenged the Media to understand the concepts of competition and consumer protection learn the language in order to have rich and balanced stories.
And speaking at the same workshop, CCPC Executive Director Chilufya Sampa has called on the media to take keen interest in the competition issues with the view of helping the general public understand their rights.
Mr. Sampa has observed that everyone needs protection against vices that deny them their rights when buying including the media.