JB opens Mapeto Cotton Ginnery

Malawi President Joyce Banda has reaffirmed that her Government will ensure that the business community has a conducive environment for doing business in the country, as the private sector is the hub for development.

The President made the remarks in Salima on Tuesday after she officially opened a K400 million (about $1m) Mapeto Cotton Ginnery in Salima.

Mapeto Cotton Ginnery is a branch of Mapeto David White Head.

In her speech, the President said she was happy that the private sector is bringing more big investments in manufacturing and creating more jobs.

“I am very happy with Mapeto for the investment which is in line with our economic recovery plans which has put job creation as one area of the focus,” said the President.

Banda said she is committed to see to it that local investors are protected from any unfair trade practices.

“My government acknowledges the bigger role which the private sector is playing in the efforts to reduce poverty through job creation; therefore as President I shall make sure that such companies do not fail because of illegal unfair trade practices,” said Banda.

She said her government will work hard in its effort to reduce poverty by enhancing the growth of the private sector.

She then thanked Mapeto for the new ginnery which when in full operation will employee up to 950 people.

Speaking earlier Minister of Trade and Industries, Sosten Gwengwe thanked the President for her efforts to develop the private sector.

‘’The economic recovery plan has focused on boosting industrial capacity for job creation and as a result industry capacity and productivity has improved favourably,” said Gwengwe.

Gwengwe said that his ministry will continue to ensure that the private sector enjoys a conducive business environment.

“We will ensure that reforms and policies are pro-business and in-turn we expect the private sector to be efficient in creating wealth and descent jobs that the youth of Malawi desperately need,” said Gwengwe.

General manager for Mapeto Martin Mpata said the ginnery has been installed to provide readily available lint for cloth production at the Mapeto David White Head plant.

“In the past we used to be supplied lint by other ginners, but it was always in short supply as most of the ginners also export their lint. So we have decided to enter the business our self so we can have a continuous supply of lint,” said Mpata.