Minister of Trade and Industry Sosten Gwengwe has challenged manufacturing companies to invest more in production to achieve import substitution and save foreign exchange.
Gwengwe made the remarks on Friday after inspecting Amani Industry Limited, a confectionery manufacturing company in Blantyre.
“It is not acceptable for our country to import sweets. These are the types of light industries we need to promote and encourage, so that agro-processing starts with the confectionery manufacturing sector,” Gwengwe said.
Amani Industry Limited Managing Director, Ali Mohamad Jawad, while commending the Minister for his visit, appealed for government support to address the high cost of raw materials, which he noted are more expensive in Malawi than in neighbouring countries.
Amani Industry employs over 300 Malawians, with a total investment of $600 million.
By Simeon Shumba.
