Bulawayo’s focus on ZITF is to lure investors

Andile Tshuma, Chronicle Reporter

BULAWAYO mayor councillor Solomon Mguni has said the city’s major focus at this year’s edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) is to lure investors to invest in the city’s Special Economic Zones.

The mayor said this in his welcome remarks at the mayor’s annual reception held at the Large City Hall on Tuesday evening.

Clr Mguni said investors are welcome as Bulawayo is open for business under the new dispensation.

 “Our main emphasis this year at ZITF is on the Special Economic Zones programme. The special economic zones programme was introduced to attract foreign direct investment and we are proud to say that here in Bulawayo, four of our industrial areas have been declared special economic zones and these areas are Belmont, Donnington, Umvumila and the Kelvin industrial areas,” said the mayor.

Clr Mguni said the city which used to be the country’s industrial hub, looked forward to reviving key industries such as beef and leather, textile and clothing, engineering and food processing. 

“I call upon investors, big or small to come and partner us in the implementation of the special economic zones programme,” said the mayor.” 

He said although the city had gone through economic challenges following the closure of many industries, it was confident it will soon regain its status of being the country’s industrial hub.

– @andile_tshuma