By Cedric Nkungula
One of the country’s biggest carbonated soft drinks manufacturer Coca – Cola, has pledged to continue investing in Malawi.
Coca – Cola Africa’s Vice President for Public Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability, Karyn Harrington, made the pledge during a meeting with President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, on the sidelines of the US – Africa Summit in Dallas, Texas.
“In our continued engagement with Malawi, it’s evident that we remain dedicated to investing and fostering growth,” stated Harrington.
“With our longstanding presence in Malawi, we are keen on furthering constructive dialogue with your government to address pertinent issues affecting the business landscape.”
President Chakwera expressed his government’s emphasis on manufacturing as a key sector in the national development agenda, encapsulated in the Malawi 2063 Vision.
“I am particularly excited that you have plans to grow the Coca-Cola business as part of your expansion plans in Malawi. My government stands ready and prepared to work and cooperate with you in all the areas where you need our assistance,” said President Chakwera.
“We believe that the sector is integral in transforming Malawi into a middle-income economy by 2030, more so because of its ability to elongate the value chains of agricultural products, production of which my Government is incentivizing by promoting mega farms,” he said.
President Chakwera extended an invitation to Coca-Cola to participate in Malawi’s industrialization drive, emphasising the government’s efforts to enhance the business environment.
He singled out initiatives such as the One Stop Service Centre and favourable tax regimes for the manufacturing sector are indicative of Malawi’s commitment to fostering investment and trade.
“We have been undertaking business reforms to ensure that the business environment is conducive for investment and trade by reviewing laws that previously acted as obstacles to doing business and investment,” President Chakwera assured the Coca-Cola boss.
President Chakwera is among African leaders participating in the US-Africa taking place in Dallas which presents an invaluable opportunity to explore potential business collaborations, attract investment and showcase Malawi as an attractive destination for trade and investment, particularly under the ATM Strategy (Agriculture, Tourism, and Mining).
