Exporters should look at those areas in their production processes where they can attain efficiency gains and improve productivity. These efforts need to be complemented by Government through directing investment in infrastructure and structural reforms, including labour laws, so as to reduce the cost of doing business in Zambia. On its part, the Bank of Zambia will carry out its function of smoothing the movements in the exchange rate in a way that would not compromise the low inflation objective. Ladies and Gentlemen, these achievements will have been impossible without the financial sector reforms. In the early 1990s, Zambia embarked on economic liberalisation, of which reforming the financial sector was a major part. Specific measures which were undertaken included, among others, the removal of all restrictions on interest rates and, elimination of controls on foreign exchange rates and transactions. Interest and exchange rates are now market determined, that is they are being driven by underlying demand and supply factors. To enhance the role of the market in the determination of exchange rates, the Interbank Foreign Exchange Market (IFEM) trading system was introduced in July 2003. The entrenchment of the IFEM trading system has been characterised by increased interbank foreign exchange liquidity flows, particularly from mineral exporters. With the liberalisation of the financial sector, several bank and non-bank financial institutions were established. The financial sector has expanded remarkably over time and the services provided have been improved. •  The number of commercial banks has more than doubled to 13 from 4 banks prior to 1990.

Ladies and Gentlemen, at this juncture, I would like to mention that the macroeconomic gains attained in the recent past will need consolidating in 2006 and onwards. You will agree with me that the macroeconomic gains attained have set the stage for sustained future growth of our economy, employment creation and poverty reduction. In this regard, allow me now turn to the future growth focus of our economy. Mr. Chairman, Zambia has articulated its long-term development objectives in the National Long Term Vision 2030. Part of this vision is enshrined in the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP); 20062010 whose theme is: “Broad Based Wealth and Job Creation through Citizenry Participation and Technological Advancement”. This calls for policies that accelerate and sustain economic growth, and which enable the poor to participate in, and benefit from the growth process. In this respect the broad macroeconomic objectives for the Plan period 2006-2010 are as follows: -  To accelerate pro-poor economic growth;  -  To reduce and stabilise inflation; and  -  To sustain a viable balance of payments and external and domestic debt position. What then do we see as the sources of economic growth and employment creation in future? Ladies and Gentlemen, we see the growth of the Zambia economy being driven by increased activities in agriculture, mining, export-led manufacturing, tourism and energy. Agriculture Mr Chairman, this sector possesses great potential to make higher contributions to the country’s growth and employment aspirations given the abundant arable land and water supply.