Ambassador Speeches

Remarks by Ambassador Carmen Martinez at the Freshpikt Launch

Lusaka
February 16, 2006

I am pleased to attend today’s launch of the Freshpikt processing plant. This plant is an important and visible participant in Zambia’s economic growth. Many of us take for granted the canned fruits and vegetables that we purchase at the grocery store, not thinking of the people and process that resulted in those cans of produce appearing on the grocery store shelves. Now, however, visiting this renovated, operational processing plant, I actually see and understand what is required to produce the end product. It requires vision, capital, dedication, and hard work. I will never look at canned tomatoes in quite the same way!

This plant represents what business consultants and economists call “value chain” expansion. In plain English, that means transforming a basic product into something more complex. And in doing so, value is added. For instance, the folks at Freshpikt take a tomato, or to be more accurate take thousands and thousands of kilograms of tomatoes, apply technical know-how, and efficiently process these tomatoes into a long-life consumer product. Such value chain expansion adds jobs and income for those involved.

In this process, Zambia benefits on several levels. Farmers have access to an expanded, new market for their products, stimulating further production; Zambian consumers are able to purchase more affordable, locally processed, canned goods; and the potential for exporting into regional markets can contribute to increased foreign-exchange earnings. Best of all: Jobs and income grow at each of these steps.

As demonstrated here at Freshpikt, adding value to primary agricultural production creates employment and builds the economy. The United States government recognizes the pivotal role played by the private sector in spurring economic growth and alleviating poverty. USAID’s support to Freshpikt is an example of the assistance provided by the people of America, which can make a difference for Zambia. Indeed, growth in the number and size of private enterprises is the single most important factor in eradicating the crippling poverty that afflicts so many of Zambia’s people. Encouraging the vision of entrepreneurs across the country requires a multi-faceted approach that includes the government, private sector associations, and civil society. The United States is a firm partner in this endeavor as represented by our enthusiastic support for Freshpikt.

The Private Sector Development Memorandum of Understanding signed two weeks ago by the Government of Zambia and twelve cooperating partners, including the United States, will increase the momentum of private sector expansion. The agreement underlines the government’s commitment to private-sector-led growth articulated and demonstrated in the Government’s Private Sector Development Reform Program. Taking these ambitious plans and implementing them efficiently and rapidly is a priority for all partners in the program.

The Zambian government supports private sector expansion reinforced by its sound fiscal management. The message is clear: Zambia is open for business. I pledge my government’s support in promoting that business.
Congratulations to Freshpikt, to the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and to Zambia.