By Mwai Mtumodzi
State President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has described newly appointed Minister of Industrialization, Business, Trade and Tourism, Simon Itaye, as a seasoned professional whose qualifications and extensive experience as an entrepreneur and manager align with his vision of transforming Malawi into a producing and exporting economy.
The President made the remarks at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Tuesday during Itaye’s swearing-in ceremony.
He told the new minister that he joins Cabinet at a critical time when the country is recovering from a period of economic instability, stressing that there would be no grace period.
“There is no honeymoon for you. You have to start working immediately,” Mutharika said while reminding Itaye that his office demands integrity, responsibility and honesty in providing advice to government.
Mutharika further emphasized that the minister’s duty is to serve the interests of Malawians, citing Section 12 of the Constitution, which states that all legal and political authority derives from the people of Malawi and must be exercised in their interest.
Speaking after the ceremony, Itaye said he was ready to take up the challenge, describing industrialization, trade, business and tourism as key pillars of the economy.
