The declining tobacco industry in Eastern Province has worried EPCCI, the Eastern Province Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Speaking to Breeze Business News, EPCCI President Thomas Mtonga says that urgent measures need to be taken to save the industry from collapsing.
Mr Mtonga stated that EPCCI does not take pride when important industries, which contribute to the growth of the region’s economy, start performing poorly.
He also pointed out the need to establish why Alliance One and ZAMLEAF pulled out from Eastern Province last marketing season.
Mr Mtonga admitted that EPCCI has not made any efforts to address the matter with government and other stakeholders in the industry.
He however, explained that the chamber would engage government and TBZ, Tobacco Board of Zambia to find a solution to challenges affecting the industry.