Africa-Press – Lesotho. The Minister of Small Businesses Development, Cooperatives and Marketing Chief Thesele ‘Maseribane will today launch a platform called ‘Sethala’ that will facilitate dialogue between the private and the public sector with the purpose to overcome barriers to growing the country business sector.
One of the National Strategic Development Plan’s (NSDP II) key priority area is that of enhancing inclusive and sustainable economic growth and private sector-led job creation.
The ministry contributes to this goal through the promotion and facilitation of the establishment of growth-oriented, competitive and sustainable Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and cooperatives.
‘Maseribane said the ministry recognizes the pivotal role that the private sector plays as the backbone of economic development MSMEs and cooperatives which in most countries contribute significantly towards job creation.
He said Lesotho MSMEs and cooperatives are however faced with numerous challenges that inhibit their growth and impact, some of which include access to finance, low production capacity, access to national, regional and international markets and others.
“The Ministry also acknowledges that an effect mechanism for addressing these challenges is through effective dialogue and collaborations with the business community,” he said.
He further said the ministry has therefore partnered with the private sector to create an open platform Sethala which will enable effective dialogue and collaborations between private MSMEs, cooperatives and the public sector.
‘Maseribane said the purpose of Sethala is to ensure that solemn continuous discussions are held between the public and private sector to discuss and resolve challenges faced by MSMEs and cooperatives. The platform will also explore opportunities for the development of the business ecosystem.
He said some of the benefits of Sethala is to improve collaboration between role players in the private sector to overcome barriers to growing the Lesotho indigenous business sector and the resolution of access to finance impediments.
Facilitation of access to markets at national, regional and international levels and capacity building on production and marketing of products across value chains.
The establishment of viable business enterprises across all sectors of the economy. ‘Maseribane noted that the initiative to launch the platform is to solve a challenge of market faced by small businesses. There will also be an exhibition of products produced in Lesotho. He added that this activity will also be expected to extend to the other districts.
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