DOREEN NAWA
Lusaka
CHINESE investors operating in Zambia must register with the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) as it is a fundamental responsibility, Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Zambia (CCCZ) president Li Tie has said.
Mr Li said NAPSA registration should be regarded as a necessary exercise for investors before staring operations in Zambia.
“We do encourage our members to join the NAPSA programme. It is not an option, it is a must,” he said yesterday during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between NAPSA and CCCZ.
He said compliance with Zambia’s social security requirements is part of the responsibility that comes with investing and operating in the country.
Mr Li said the chamber will use the partnership to encourage more Chinese businesses to register with NAPSA and comply with its regulations.
He said CCCZ also seeks to strengthen its role as a bridge between the Chinese business community, the Zambian government, its agencies and local businesses.
Mr Li said the Chinese business community has, over the past four years, worked with various government authorities and has supported programmes aimed at promoting Zambia’s economic development.
He is confident that Chinese businesses will increasingly contribute to NAPSA as their investments in Zambia continue to grow.
“I believe the Chinese community will comply with the NAPSA regulations, and I also believe that as major investments come from Chinese investors, they will contribute to NAPSA more and more, as we contribute to the economy in this country.”
NAPSA director general Muyangwa Muyangwa said the MoU will strengthen engagement between the authority and the Chinese business community while promoting compliance and expanding social security coverage.
“This partnership will facilitate employer registration, compliance education, information sharing, capacity building and targeted sensitisation programmes,” Mr Muyangwa said.
He said NAPSA will also provide guidance to expatriate employees and their employers on registration requirements, contribution obligations, benefit eligibility and claims procedures.
Mr Muyangwa said the partnership is not solely about enforcement, but about dialogue and finding practical solutions to operational challenges faced by employers.
