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Tinashe Makichi, Business Reporter
Government is consulting international experts in its quest to successfully implement special economic zones and come up with models that fit the country’s current economic situation.
Industry and Commerce Minister Mike Bimha yesterday said plans are at an advanced stage with different consultations being made.
“We are engaging international experts in trying to make sure we get the right models of zones to implement in our situation. Government is doing this through different embassies by deliberating on what incentives can be offered to investors to increase foreign direct investment,” said Minister Bimha.
The implementation process is spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development in conjunction with Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
Minister Bimha said a report with several recommendations has been compiled and set to be presented before the cabinet.
Government is working on modalities to introduce SEZ’s as a policy to attract investment and promote export oriented growth, generate employment as well achieve economic growth.
Minister Bimha said Government has reintroduced import licenses but this time in a much improved state.
Government therefore is calling for the private sector to come on board in tackling issues affecting the economy.
He said the Ministry has availed an open door policy for all stakeholders to come up with ideas.
However, Minster Bimha yesterday appointed two Ministry advisory committees going to play advisory roles.
The advisory board on the “Ease on the doing business in Zimbabwe” is mandated to examine the conditions leading to Zimbabwe’s ranking at the bottom with regards the ease and cost of doing business.
The committee will be chaired by Mrs Maureen Chitehwe who is a legal practitioner. Other committee members include; Brian Kagondo from Ariston Holdings, Adam Molai from Savanna Tobacco, Betty Nhachi an engineer, Clifford Sileya from CZI and Osbourne Majuru from Masawara Holdings.
The committee on Imports will be there to provide strategic direction with a view to reduce dependency on non-essential imports and the proliferation of substandard goods into the country.
The committee would be chaired by Mr Mike Nyabadza who is the chairman of Anchor Yeast Holdings.
Other committee members will include Tracy Mutaviri from Lyons Maid, James Maphosa from CMC, Eve Gadzikwa from standards Association of Zimbabwe and Busisa Moyo from United Refineries.
Minister Bimha said the committee in imports will establish and analyse how goods are currently imported into the country thorough smuggling and corruption.
The committee will also examine whether local manufacturers have the capacity to produce such non-essential and at times sub-standard goods entering the country.
Online Reporter