The Provincial Administration has set a target to improve the economy of Eastern Province by 50 per cent within two years.

The provincial administration is seeking to grow the economy of Eastern Province by 50 per cent within two years. Provincial Minister, Malozo Sichone said this when he addressed the business sector at the Eastern Province Investment Consultative and Business Forum held in Chipata on Tuesday. Mr. Sichone indicated that the target was achievable if existing investors are willing to expand and diversify their investment portfolios. He assured the business community that his administration would not leave any stone unturned to achieve the task, which also involves attracting more investors into the province. Mr. Sichone challenged the business sector to think bigger and beyond the markets within Eastern Province. And the provincial minister observed that the business sector has not added any value to production of maize, cotton, groundnuts and tobacco despite the province being the largest producer of these crops in the country. He pointed out the need for value addition stating that the business sector should start thinking of investing in processing plants. Meanwhile Mr. Sichone says that the provincial administration decided to convene the meeting with the business sector because despite government economic policies having been spelt out clearly, misguided opinions of those who deliberately misinterpret government policy for political expedience still make news. He assured the business sector that the PF government seeks to create a dynamic and sustainable export led economy based on the exploitation of the country’s comparative advantages. xpedience still make news. He assured the business sector that the PF government seeks to create a dynamic and sustainable export led economy based on the exploitation of the country’s comparative advantages.