november 2005. the main objective of the survey was to measure access to and use of financial services, along with how people manage their finances and what drives their financial behaviour. honourable minister and invited guests - this morning we are here to share with you, the findings of the finscope zambia 2005 survey. these findings are expected to play an important role in profiling demand for financial services in zambia. it is my hope that policy makers and financial service providers will utilise this information to develop strategies that will lead to the expansion and improvement of financial access for our people. in conclusion – may i emphasise that the nation is looking forward to the findings of the finscope zambia 2005 survey which will help us fully understand the financial landscape in zambia and therefore open up new market segments and allow us expand accessibility to financial services in zambia necessary for reducing poverty. the report of the finscope zambia 2005 survey will be posted to the bank of zambia website, www. boz. zm, for public information. thank you.

core inflation ) has softened by around 130 basis points from its recent peak in january 2023. although it is still elevated at 4. 9 per cent, this steady easing of core inflation over the last five months is indicative of the ongoing transmission of monetary policy. 14. looking ahead, the spike in vegetable prices in july is starting to see a correction, led by tomato prices. new arrivals of tomatoes in mandis are already softening prices, coupled with proactive supply management in the case of onions. we expect to see an appreciable slowdown in vegetable inflation from september. meanwhile, the prospects for kharif crops have improved, thanks to the progress of the monsoon in july, although the cumulative rainfall has again moved into the deficit territory. 6 the outlook for cereal prices has accordingly brightened, supported by active supply side interventions. sudden weather events, el nino conditions and renewed geopolitical tensions, however, impart uncertainty to the food prices outlook. as i noted in my monetary policy statement on august 10, 2023, given the likely shortterm nature of the vegetable price shocks, monetary policy can await the dissipation of the first - round effects of such shocks that may produce short - lived spikes in headline inflation. we will remain on guard to ensure that second order effects in the form of generalisation and persistence are not allowed to take hold. the frequent incidences of recurring food price shocks pose a risk to anchoring of inflation expectations, which has been underway since september 2022. we will remain watchful of this also. the role of continued and timely supply side interventions assumes criticality in limiting the severity and duration of such shocks. in these circumstances, it is necessary to be watchful of any risk to price stability and act appropriately and in time. we remain firmly focused on aligning inflation to the target of 4. 0 per cent. 6 the cumulative south - west rainfall 7 per cent below normal as on august 21, 2023. building blocks for a sustainable future 15. having provided a snapshot of the current context, i would now like to turn to the certain thrust areas that can propel india forward over the next 25 years. the potential is huge for india to raise its growth trajectory and improve the general well - being of the people. in this context, i would like to focus on six key areas that can provide the required growth momentum. they are ( i ) agriculture ; ( ii ) manufacturing ; ( iii ) services ; (