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Veep Says Effective Strategies Necessary to Propel Economic Growth(AllAfrica Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Vice President Saulos Chilima has challenged marketers in the country to develop effective marketing strategies which could help to propel national economic growth. Chilima observed that effective marketing strategies were essential in propelling tourism, fostering foreign direct investment, promote international trade and exports. He confessed that the country was facing a lot of challenges but that there was need for marketers to work hand in hand with government in rebuilding nation. "The marketing fraternity can play a very crucial role in rebranding and repositioning the tourism sector whose image has been battered by bad meaning Malawians," Chilima said. "Marketers have to be positive and should always feel compelled to tout about available brands in this country.' The Vice President of the republic of Malawi was speaking on Friday when he opened an annual conference of Chartered Institute of Marketers (CIM) in Malawi at Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi. Chilima, therefore, challenged the marketers strive at creating a positive image about Malawi in a bid to attract tourists, foreign direct investors thereby stimulating the country's economic growth exponentially. "When you set out to bed every night, ask yourself if you've done anything to advertise Malawi - if you realize that you have done to promote the country you'll notice that your sleep be peaceful and restful," he added. He asked marketers to join other professions which have engaged Government in various national development initiatives, calling on the marketers institute to rise up to the challenge and demonstrate that they were equally a force to reckon with. Chilima also called on the leadership of marketers in the country to embark on key strategic development activities in order to help build the country's economy. Chartered Institute of Marketers in Malawi, Gladson Kuyeri said the association is making strides in ensuring parliament enacts a bill into which empowers marketers industriously work with government in marketing the country through the Brand Malawi Project. "The objectives of the Brand Malawi Project include facilitating foreign direct investment and broaden Malawi's economic base, utilizing marketing skills and raise Malawi profile on the international stage and develop a strategic marketing plan," Kuyeri disclosed. Kuyeri pointed out that the process had slackened due to the infamous cash gate scandal which also had an effect on new members registering with the institute. He said the institute is working hand in hand with Malawi Investment and Trade Centre for a more comprehensive marketing approach. He further noted that the institute was aware that government has the country's economic growth at the centre of its business; hence the marketers were also eager to complement such efforts. Earlier, Exp Group Chief Executive Officer, David Boon challenged marketers that they had a huge task to change the behaviour of the consumer and unearth investment potentials in the country as government development partners. "As marketers we have a duty to apply marketing techniques that help to grow market for any product on the market including tourism as a viable economic sector," Boon said. He said marketing was not about reinventing the wheel but rather it was about looking at how best to engage the customer to understand products on the market. The Conference is being held under the theme "Experiential marketing: new way to drive turn -over." Copyright Malawi News Agency. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). |