The National Association of Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (NASME) has expressed the need for government to consider introducing a specific ministry responsible for promotion of small scale businesses.

The body was speaking amid reported interest from the new administration to support the growth of entrepreneurship through providing favorable operating environment for businesses including SMEs.

NASME’s National Coordinator, William Mwale said this -days after Professor Peter Mutharika was sworn in as the president of the republic of Malawi.

“To begin with we are pleased that the new administration has opened the door for us members of the business community.

“By picking a running mate from the industry- now the Vice President, we are sure that it will be easier for the administration to fulfill these promises.” Mwale said.

He has however asked for serious interventions in from the capital hill if the situation is to register any change.

“We are looking forward for this government to establish a special ministry- responsible for promotion of SMEs in the country.

“This is the only way SMEs can receive direct assistance from government as what has seemed like the usual way of doing things; -letting SME exist inside ministry of industry and Trade will change nothing in terms of output.” Mwale said.

It is the hope of NASME that if this is done, the establishment of Development Bank and other incentives on SMEs will be implemented easily.