required lawyers, commissioner of oaths, government officials and other officials or institutions. the bank has also licensed a bis central bankers ’ speeches credit reference bureau to help create credit histories for financial market participants that may serve as alternative to collateral. in addition, it has now become easier to access banking services through lower bank account opening balance, improved payments systems through mobile banking, e - money and increased numbers of automated teller machines and point of sale terminals. ladies and gentlemen, the bank of zambia has also partnered with the international labour organization ( ilo ) to promote the use of the famos check tool by financial service providers in order to enhance access to finance by women entrepreneurs. the tool is intended to enable financial service providers undertake a systematic assessment of the extent to which these institutions target women entrepreneurs, their needs and potentialities. the tool also assists financial service providers to develop appropriate strategies to extend their outreach to women entrepreneurs as well as develop products to meet the needs of women entrepreneurs. in this collaborative exercise, ilo has since facilitated capacity building within the bank of zambia and certified some members of staff to undertake the famos training within the entire financial sector. commercial banks have been expected to utilize the tool and use the results to tailor services and products that reach out to women. however progress made in this area could be improved. there is an urgent need therefore to reinvigorate the famos check tool. bank of zambia will continue to encourage financial institutions to administer the famos check tool and the cooperation of all stakeholders in this regard is vital. the bank of zambia will continue to create an enabling environment through policies, legislation and regulation that facilitate greater financial inclusion of women. you may wish to know that the bank has taken on board gender mainstreaming as part of its strategic plan, essentially to have a pluralistic approach that values the diversity among both women and men. ladies and gentlemen, let me remind you that zambia has affiliated itself to conventions and initiatives that have the specific intention of enhancing the welfare of women. the bank of zambia will continue to take the role of the provider of an enabling environment that enhances access to finance and financial services by all, especially those that have been traditionally excluded like the economically active poor women whose entrepreneurial prowess needs to be harnessed in order to reduce poverty and increase the economic welfare of our people. bank of zambia is therefore delighted to be associated with this study and conference which provide a unique opportunity to listen to findings of the study and exchange ideas on the various outcomes

particularly happy to learn that the zambian team compared to other countries in the region, has conducted this enterprise survey in record time. it shows true commitment and dedication of the team to this project. please keep up the good work. be reminded, however, that you have established a benchmark, which we want to be associated with, and which others will want to emulate. i have no doubt that we will beat the record we have set for ourselves when we conduct the next survey. i am confident that this workshop will achieve its intended objective of disseminating the findings of the survey and stimulate active participation and comments from the various stakeholders. mr. chairman, ladies and gentlemen, it is now my pleasure and honour to declare this closing and dissemination workshop on foreign private investment and investor perception survey officially opened and wish you fruitful deliberations. i thank you.