Suleman Chitera 
By Suleman Chitera
The Malawi–UK Chamber of Commerce (MUKCC) has appointed British High Commissioner to Malawi Leigh Stubblefield as its Patron as the organisation prepares to open its permanent office in the country.
The announcement was made in Lilongwe during an engagement that brought together business leaders, financial institutions and prospective founding members of the Chamber.
Speaking during the engagement, Stubblefield said the establishment of the Chamber would provide an important platform for strengthening economic and commercial relations between Malawi and the United Kingdom.
“The Malawi–UK Chamber will provide an important platform for businesses to connect, explore investment opportunities and deepen commercial relations between our two countries,” said Stubblefield.
MUKCC Chief Executive Officer Hannington Gondwe said the Chamber would focus on creating practical opportunities for businesses from Malawi and the UK to build partnerships and expand their commercial activities.
“We want to create practical opportunities for networking, partnerships, trade facilitation and investment,” said Gondwe.
The Chamber is expected to facilitate stronger links between businesses in the two countries through networking, trade promotion and investment opportunities.
Meanwhile, Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI) President Ronald Ngwira welcomed the initiative but urged the new Chamber to complement existing private sector organisations while avoiding duplication of their roles.
The appointment of Stubblefield as Patron comes as MUKCC moves towards establishing its permanent presence in Malawi.
The Chamber is expected to officially launch soon, paving the way for increased engagement between Malawian and British businesses and other stakeholders.
