e-Conference 2009: Zambia BlogTalk Radio 10th October

Welcome message On behalf of the Zambia Diaspora Connect Executive and the Zambia Blog Talk Radio Team, I take this opportunity to welcome everyone participating in the second annual Global e-Conference. This 2009 conference brings together Zambians and friends of Zambia alike to a platform where ideas will be discussed, questions asked and solutions sort. Most participants will look back and say as much as there are other factors; the Global e-Conference was one such event which renewed their interest in becoming involved in the affairs of Zambia. Our plan is to focus this conference on optimism and not pessimism, solutions and not questions. We agree questions need to be asked but these have to be questions of purpose not despair. Government engagement and dialogue is a major component of this process. We can't continue to wonder why others are placing stations in space and landing Rovers on Mars, while we continue to struggle with pot holes, run down schools and hospitals. These are things for which many Zambians have answers for on their finger tips. But we need to communicate and share information and acknowledging the value of that information. The education process starts now and we hope that this time next year we will have achieved just a little more. Life anywhere is about believing that it can be done. Let's begin. Musaba Chailunga, Chairman- Zambia Diaspora Connect The e-Conference starts at 9:00 hrs New York Time, 13:00 hrs GMT or 15:00 hours Zambian Time.Call-in number is +1-347-237-4270.

Alfred Kamwendo Miti - Newcastle upon-Tyne- UK One of the issues I would like to share with my fellow Zambians is the Key knowledge transfer in the fields of Science and technology especially Industrial biotechnology and chemical engineering.I have followed with keen interest the developments and scientific debates in Zambia regarding the in-depth understanding of biotechnology and its effective sustainable applications in a Zambian set up. Please read : Conference Paper PDF

Mr. Patson Musumali Education and Skills Education and skills are essential developments for a nation, and government has the responsibility to guard and award its citizens with this national treasure. Please read: Conference Paper PDF

Mr Phesto Musonda Chairman- Zambia International Trade Fair Mr Phesto Musonda, Enterpreneur and Chairman of Zambia International Trade Fair.Mr Musonda brings a private sector perspective to the opportunities, and an appreciation of the challenges, of doing business in Zambia. He has been the Chairman of the ZITF for the past six years. In addition, he is the Chairman and CEO of Phoenix Materials and Construction, a construction and property development company. He is Founder of Sub-Suharan Germstone and Exchange Centre. His Company is developing a Multi-Facility Economic Zone in Ndola. Full Profile

Mr Paul Siamuzyulu Marketing Manager- Madison Asset Management Company Zambia remains a high cost destination and reducing the cost of doing business is an urgent priority Transport is a bottleneck the cos of exporting a container is over $3,000 compared to half that in Malawi Retrenchment costs are double that Botswana and seven times those in South Africa Increase access/reduce cost of telecommunications (if on par with South Africa, productivity would ncrease 13 percent)Over 500 business licenses in existence, which are a source of delay and corruption. Need to streamline, following the ongoing review Please Read:Conference Paper PDF