Govt launches second planning bulletin

made in implementing the Medium Term Plan (MTP).
In July, the Government launched the MTP (2011 to 2015) which is expected to pave way for various policies and programmes that address the macro-economic fundamentals critical for the growth of the economy.
The economic blue-print, which requires $9 billion to meet economic growth target of seven percent per annum for the next five years, is a successor to the Short-Term Emergency Recovery Programme (STERP).
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Economic Planning and Investment Promotion permanent secretary Dr Desire Sibanda said the economic bulletin would be produced quarterly.
“The main objective of the Economic bulletin is to furnish all stakeholders with key, up to date and reliable economic information for decision making process.”
Dr Sibanda said the “planning guide” sought to create a platform for a comprehensive dialogue between policy makers as well as tracking the progress made in implementation of the MTP.
Speaking at the same occasion, Women’s University in Africa vice chancellor, Professor Hope Sadza, commended the government for coming up with the planning bulletin.
“The purpose of research is to inform action and I am delighted that the Ministry of Economic Planning and Investment Promotion has taken a deliberate step to share information with the general public through the Planning Bulletin,” she said.
Prof Sadza said the government should also come up with supplementary research papers which lead to economic growth.
“This is very important because the gaps or deficit in our systems and policies are highlighted by a well designed research,” she said.
Analysts argue that for the economy to grow, the government should find ways of generating revenue to dilute overheads for public service salaries which are consuming more than 60 percent of the national budget. – New Ziana.