ASCCI to honour Zambia's first president

Kaunda is being acknowledged for his contribution in the creation of a suitable environment for economic growth, private-sector development and investor confidence in the SADC region and the rest of the continent. His role in world peace and conflict resolution also contributed to his recognition by ASCCI. The founding president of Zambia, Kaunda will become the second head of state, former or current, to receive this highest accolade from the association. The first recipient for such an award was the former South African President Nelson Mandela, in 2006.

South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki is expected to deliver an address during this conference, which will also look at the promotion of trade and investment in the region.

“One of the key functions of ASCCI is to facilitate trade and investment in the region by working closely with all relevant business organizations, governments and agencies” says Sipho Mseleku CEO of ASCCI. “The rationale for promotion of trade and investment is to foster co-operation with private sector entities, facilitate joint ventures and partnerships, fast track and encourage foreign direct investments and to encourage Intra-Africa Trade and to facilitate trade and investment in the region by working closely with all relevant stakeholders. That defines the fundamental being of ASCCI's. We are constantly Unleashing Trade and Investment opportunities in the SADC Region” concludes Mseleku.

ASCCI's 2007 business climate survey is expected to paint a mixed picture of the region, given the latest political and economic instability in some member states to the looming famine in many parts of SADC. Some southern African countries on the other hand have been enjoying a boom in their trade with European and Asian partners. The survey results have helped the association, its members and the general private sector to successfully lobby the SADC Secretariat and the various national governments in the region to improve the environment for doing business in their respective countries.

The conference will also have four plenary sessions that will vigorously discuss and report back on a number of topics such as corporate leadership and private sector development in the SADC, and challenges facing regional integration and opportunities.