By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
THE Chinese community have presented some areas in the 2024 national budget which they suggest that Government may reconsider or improve such as Minerals Aerial Surveys and Minerals Regulation Commission, among others.
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These are contained in a submission made by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Zambia president, Li Tie, at the national symposium on the 2023 Economic Performance, and 2024 budget & Economic Outlook.
On the Minerals Aerial Surveys, Mr Tie admitted that it came as a major relief that to ascertain minerals available in the country and reduce cost on would be investors on exploration expenses.
Mr Tie said this was a positive development which the Chinese foresee having a positive impact in the mining sector.
He, however, indicated that the directive that exploration or mining licences may not be transferred or sold to foreign entities poses a challenge to would-be foreign investors in this sector.
“We suggest that Government may intervene by finding a workable solution where both foreign and local investors may coexist,” Mr Tie said.
Government has proposed to carry out a high resolution countrywide geophysical survey, aerial surveys are to be conducted in Copperbelt, Lusaka, North-Western, Southern, and Western provinces as well as parts of Central Province.
On the Minerals Regulation Commission, Mr Tie noted that Government’s proposed introduction of the Minerals Regulation Commission to address, among others, issues pertaining to production reporting, mineral content analysis, illegal mining and illicit trade of minerals was a welcomed move.
He was hopeful that this institution would, among other mandates, ensure the speedy processing of mining licensing.
“Government may therefore consider intervening by making sure that this important institution is set up and becomes operational in the first quarter of the year,” Mr Tie said.
He also stressed that Government’s support in simplifying customs requirements was crucial.
According to Mr Tie, avoiding unnecessary penalties caused by complex customs procedures at the borders helps transporter increase efficiency.
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