2011 ZimExpo business conference kicks off

in the United States are expected to attend.
The conference is expected to focus on the topical Indigenisation Act.
A Affirmative Action Group high level delegation led by its president, Mr Supa Mandiwanzira is expected to present a paper tomorrow on the progress regarding indigenisation in Zimbabwe.
“We are happy that this year our main focus is on the indigenisation and empowerment programme currently underway in Zimbabwe.
“It’s important that there be constant discourse between Zimbabweans in the diaspora and the key actors in Zimbabwe, hence we have invited the Affirmative Action Group to explain and also record the concerns, if any, of Zimbabweans in the diaspora” said Chipo Mkandla, Zimexpo communications director.
The sanctions debate is expected to take centre stage as the AAG is going to talk about the negative impact of the illegal economic sanctions.
“We feel it’s imperative that we also appraise our fellow Zimbabweans in the diaspora on the negative impact of illegal sanctions to economic recovery and political depolarisation in Zimbabwe,” said Tafadzwa Musarara, AAG secretary general.
Musarara said, “It’s high time that we consider the input of Zimbabweans in the Diaspora on various national issues that impact on economic empowerment and development rather than that they hear it from hostile Western media.
“We are also going to discuss developments regarding Marange diamonds and the running battles with the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme which continue to dog the international media.”
Sparks are expected to fly at tomorrow’s media conference where most American media houses are expected to attend.
“It’s good thing that ZimExpo this year is tackling key economic issues that we have been avoiding for some time. We are equally important as well and it’s our right to learn debate and participate on the country’s key issues,” said one Zimbabwean participating delegate.
ZimExpo is a Zimbabwean initiative that is held annually in the US and seeks to heighten networking among Zimbabweans in the Diaspora.
Winky D, Zimbabwe’s dancehall king, is expected to close the event with a show on tomorrow evening.