Business forum launched to look after SA companies

A South African Business Forum in Zambia has been formed to represent the interests of South African companies operating in the country. Launched officially in March this year, the Forum helps its members to keep up with changes in Zambian legislation and also lobbies with government on their behalf. One of the priority areas, according to chairperson Pieter Bosman, is the issuing of work permits. Where in one month the Zambian government may issue 10 000 work permits to Chinese and 7 000 to Indian nationals, only 3 000 are given to South Africans – despite the fact that 85% of Zambia’s trade is with South Africa, he says. A South African business fair planned to be hosted in Lusaka on November 6 will provide a showcase for South African companies – including those in the logistics sector – operating in Zambia. It will highlight the contribution being made by South African companies with operations in Zambia to local economic development and job creation – in addition to the wide range of products and services available from South Africa, says Bosman. South African companies operating in Zambia decided that they needed their own representative body because “the French, the British and the Americans all have their own chambers in Zambia. “We have to ensure that the South African business voice is also heard. At the same time we have started working with the other chambers to address common challenges,” he says. The new chamber also works with the South Africa Zambia Chamber of Commerce, which is based in Johannesburg. Bosman says one of the objectives of his association is to build up ties with chambers in South Africa. “There are opportunities and it is possible to invest in Zambia from South Africa, but we need to talk to each other and to help each other,” he says. Members who are already active in Zambia meet every three months and are addressed by a local expert or representative from the Zambian government to provide information on changes or pending changes to legislation that will affect business operations. The speakers are also open to questions to provide clarification to members. These have already become valuable networking sessions, according to Bosman. Any South African companies with operations in Zambia – or who wish to enter the Zambian market – can contact Pieter Bosman on Pieter. bosman@unitrans.co.zm or +260 979026665 or the secretary Trudie van Rooyen on thewineguyszambia@gmail. com. INSERT & CAPTION One of the priority areas is the issuing of work permits. – Pieter Bosman