Some politicians' threat to drive away investors show lack of understanding of how to grow the economy, one of Zambian presidential contestants has said, Sunday Post reported.

The local newspaper quoted Leader of the United Democracy Alliance (UDA) Hakainde Hichilema as saying here that there is need to create a favorable investment environment if the economy is to grow.

"A bigger economy means that you can have a bigger investment and more people come to pay tax," said the presidential aspirant.

He said UDA will ensure that it strikes a balance between investment needs and the needs of the workers so that they are not exploited by the investors.

If this shop doesn't make money, there is no way it can pay anybody more money because it will collapse, he said while touring a super market in Lusaka on Friday.

"We will reduce taxes so that you have more cash in our hands, By having more money in your hands you can meet your basic needs, food, shelter and clean water which the government will support," he said.

The UDA presidential aspirant promised to strike a healthy balance between local and foreign investment to grow the economy, a balance that takes care of the needs of the workers and those who are underprivileged.

Zambia is scheduled to hold its elections on September 28.

Source: Xinhua