Industry captains are describing the newly appointed Trade Minister Mark Katsonga Phiri as a successful entrepreneur capable of solving the country’s trade related challenges.

The Neno South Legislator has been appointed minister of the now joint Trade and Industry Ministry which was headed by Sosten Gwengwe and Roy Kachale Banda respectively.

Katsonga, former president of the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry-MCCCI is known to have run several successful businesses including Candlex Malawi, AXA Bus Service and AGMA holdings.

In an interview he acknowledged the appointment but could not divulge more on his plans prior to being sworn into office;

Meanwhile, MCCCI president James Chimwaza discloses the chamber’s plans to engage the new minister on policy issues among others.