The 308 million kwacha UN assembly trip by President Joyce Banda and her 33 member entourage is receiving support from economic commentators who are describing it as beneficial in the long run to the country’s ailing economy.

The President and her administration have come under heavy criticism for the entourage of 33 people including chiefs and Peoples party loyalists when the country is facing serious economic challenges.

However State House Presidential Press secretary Steve Nhlane says the amount is a necessary expense given the importance of the many meetings President Banda is holding with potential investors and world leaders whose support Malawi needs for rebuilding the economy.

And conquering with Nhlane, one of the country’s economists and executive Director of Alliance Capital Chikavu Nyirenda told the media that “I fully understand the concerns by the public because it was difficult to measure the immediate benefits of such trips.”

“However, we should keep in mind that in the end the country stands to benefit from the meetings and discussions the President is having with various partners there.”