First Quantum Minerals Limited Trident Operations (FQM) General Manager, Scott Whitehead says his organisation will continue supporting local businesses.
Mr Whitehead said his organisation has been working closely with local people through different ventures.
He highlighted skills development among local people as one of the areas the mine has been prioritising.
“We will continue to engage local people in the community and business entities by offering training that will enhance skills development,’’ said Mr Whitehead.
He said this when local businesses visited the mine to appreciate the operations of FQM which was organised by North-Western Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the closure of the business and investment Exposition.
And North-Western Chamber of Commerce and Industry president, Kayula Lombanya has commended FQM Trident for giving the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) an opportunity to visit the mine to appreciate the operations.
Ms Lombanya said such initiatives help the business owners to understand the operations of the mines and how they can secure business opportunities.
” We are happy that we have created an avenue for business to have a better underpin on how best they can also benefit from business opportunities in the mines,” she stated
Ms Lombanya noted that her organisation will continue to create market linkages for SMEs.
She explained that creating a conducive business environment is cardinal for economic development.
Ms Lombanya said businesses contribute to the growth of the Nation hence the need to promote trade linkages among SMEs.
And speaking Maggie Shilaba Nkume General Dealers has commended government and its cooperating partners for supporting local businesses.
Ms Shilaba has further hailed the North-Western Chamber of Commerce for creating networking platforms for local businesses adding that it is an opportunity for businesses to address challenges they face when conducting businesses.
” Now that I have a better understanding of how the mine operates am confident that I will be able to compete better for contracts,” he said
Ms Shilaba has since called on the mine to continue working with local businesses in their communities by priorities them when there are businesses opportunities.
