I should mention here that though copper mining has again become prominent in terms of exports and to some extent employment, Government strategies and policies are focusing on reducing the country’s dependence on copper mining through economic diversification as articulated in the FNDP (2006-2010). In our diversification efforts, due attention will be paid to those that have high potential for creating employment. This will make our economy resilient to future external shocks and ensure sustained development, and have a required impact on the quality of life of the Zambian people. Manufacturing Ladies and Gentlemen, the Zambian Government has demonstrated its commitment to the development of a vibrant but competitive manufacturing sector in this year’s national budget. This is in line with its commitment to facilitate increased value addition which is one of the key ingredients in achieving sustainable development in the country. To this effect, several measures and incentives aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the sector will be provided in conformity with the future growth objectives. One such example is the Government’s move to implement a new initiative called the Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ). This will replace the Export Processing Zones (EPZ), as special industrial zones for both export-oriented and domestic-oriented industries. The zones will have all the necessary infrastructure for the easy commencement and conduct of manufacturing activities. In addition, several concessions will be provided for those companies that will operate in the MFEZ.
I am positive that with improved macroeconomic stability there will be more investment in such productive activities. Tourism Distinguished guests, tourism is another of Government’s priority sectors from which growth and employment are expected to be generated. One of the key aspects of Zambian tourism is the  4  BIS Review 72/2006  increasing participation of locals in the sector through among other activities establishment of lodges that are complimenting the traditional hotels and offering services with a Zambian touch. It is worth mentioning that tourism, more than any other sector, is labour intensive and provides jobs for local people in both rural and urban areas. In order to stimulate the potential of this sector, there will be need to facilitate access to affordable and sufficient credit, entrepreneurship (private sector capacity building) training, improved marketing and provision of the necessary support infrastructure. Access to most of these tenets will enable the local small scale investors to provide competitive tourist services. Ladies and Gentlemen, may I also add that tourism should not be based on wild life (visiting national game parks) alone. Here on the Copperbelt, you have a unique opportunity to develop a tourism industry based on copper mining - e.g. going underground. Collectively, we can also encourage and promote eco-tourism in much of rural Zambia. Energy sector Mr. Chairman, a growing economy needs sufficient, stable and affordable energy supply. I have here in mind the electricity sector.