adminFarirai Machivenyika Harare Bureau
The government should expedite the establishment of Special Economic Zones to increase foreign direct investment in the country and create employment. This was said by Chegutu East National Assembly representative, Webster Shamu, while contributing to debate on President Mugabe’s speech delivered at the opening of the second session of the eighth Parliament last year.
“If we harness and implement His Excellency’s call for the introduction of SEZs, the benefits will definitely stimulate FDI; it will see technology transfer and the resultant employment creation,” he said.
Shamu said Zimbabwe should take advantage of its abundant platinum reserves to create a SEZ from Kadoma to Norton.
“If we create an economic free zone from Norton, Selous, Chegutu and Kadoma, we can create value addition factories in Selous, Mbafa and others to manufacture platinum-based catalytic converters, laboratory equipment, electrical contacts and electrodes, platinum resistance thermometers, dentistry equipment and jewellery,” he said.
He said South Africa had managed to add value to its platinum by manufacturing catalytic converters.
“At its peak the catalytic converter industry in South Africa contributed R24,2 billion per year to the economy, directly employing 5,200 and many more through other related industries,” he said.
The Chegutu East legislator also said there was need for stakeholders to support the land reform programme by creating of agro-based industries that will provide markets for new farmers.
Meanwhile, Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa, presented to the National Assembly the Joint Ventures Bill and the General Laws Amendment Bill.
The Joint Ventures Bill seeks to set parameters for joint ventures between contracting partners while the General Laws Amendment Bill seeks to align a number existing legislation with the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
The Bills were referred to the Parliamentary Legal Committee for perusal.
Online Reporter