Malikongwa highlighted that procedures for setting up businesses in various councils across the country are very complex. This, he noted, is among the major reasons investors at times shy away from trading in the country. Malikongwa lamented that councils across the country often take a long time to approve trading licences for foreign investors who want to set up firms in the country.
He also noted that local authorities often delay issuing building permits to foreign investors. He observed that the delays scare away potential investors. "We need foreign investors because we do not have expertise in various sectors of our economy. We should try to simplify procedures for setting up businesses in the city so that we attract them. Councillors should also shy away from the perception that foreign investors deprive locals' business opportunities. Instead you should view them as people who want to assist us uplift our economy," he said.
