Financial and banking institutions in the private sector urged to partner with the govt

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Brenda Tambatamba has called on the financial and banking institutions in the private sector to partner with the government in creating sustainable decent jobs.

Ms. Tambatamba said this during the courtesy call paid to her by Standard Chartered Bank, Chief Executive Officer Suny Zulu in her office today.

She encouraged the bank to also consider diversifying and supporting the key sectors of the economy such as agriculture, mining, construction and infrastructure development, tourism and manufacturing among others, as a way of partnering with the government in creating jobs for many zambians.

The minister advised the private sector to be open to dialogue on important matters of national interest so as to bring the proposed ideas to the table for further brainstorming, consideration and adoption in policy making.

Ms Tambatamba has disclosed that the government is very passionate about growing the private sector as the means to create jobs from within in order to reduce high dependency on foreign investments.

In a statement issued Ms. Tambatamba has also urged Stanchart to continue up-skilling its employees with multiple skills to ensure that they remain relevant in their work life.

Further the minister has applauded the bank for being a compliant institution that has a successful succession plan which has seen the new CEO taking the leadership of the bank in Zambia.

And speaking earlier, Mr. Zulu revealed that his bank has not been spared from the impact of covid-19 pandemic, which led to technological advancement resulting in the bank embarking on up-skilling of its employees to avoid loss of jobs.

Mr. Zulu also informed the minister that his bank is championing programmes meant to empower communities in financial literacy especially women.