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Mukudzei Chingwere
Herald Reporter
GOVERNMENT is seized with the development of an interim stabilisation programme for industry and commerce anchored on research and development and innovation, economic empowerment, stakeholder engagement and standards and quality, a senior official has said.
Permanent Secretary for Industry and Commerce Dr Thomas Utete Wushe outlined the elaborate plans when he officially opened the BizNet B2B Linkages Platform Awareness Workshop in Harare recently.
The three-day workshop presented a platform for gathering insights from experts on how to explore the BizNet Online Market Hub that connects local, regional and international companies with businesses within the broader COMESA market.
Dr Wushe said the main mission of the initiative was to advance regional trade and strengthen business connectivity as well as open up opportunities for international markets which was in line with the aspirations of the African Continental Trade Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The Ministry of Industry and Commerce, together with our partners at the COMESA Business Council and the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce, is committed to fostering an enabling environment where businesses can thrive,” Dr Wushe.
“By working closely with the private sector and undertaking continuous consultations, Government will be in a position to develop policies and frameworks that are responsive to the needs of our business community.
“The Ministry’s anchor Economic Blueprint, the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy (2019-2023) came to an end in December 2023.
“The Ministry is therefore currently seized with the development of an interim stabilisation programme, namely the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan, that seeks to bridge the gap between the end of the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy (2019-2023) and the formulation of a new comprehensive long-term plan that will be aligned to the National Development Strategy 2.”
Dr Wushe said the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan would be principally anchored on the pillars of research and development and innovation, economic empowerment, stakeholder engagement, standards and quality, among others.
“The Ministry, in collaboration with the private sector, continues to accelerate the implementation of value chain programmes in agro-processing, horticulture, pharmaceuticals, beef and leather, cotton to clothing, amongst other sectors.
“The Ministry has come up with various sector strategies meant to enhance competitiveness and revamping industry product portfolios such as the pharmaceutical strategy and the motor industry development policy (2017-2030) guided by the aspirations of National Development Strategy 1.”
Dr Wushe said Government had put in place incentives to support the local manufacturing sector to augment policy initiatives, including VAT deferment on capital equipment, and removal of duty on capital equipment imported by specified industries.
COMESA value chain expert Mr Nsangwa Ngwira said COMESA was committed to creating market opportunities and reducing barriers to market access as essential strategies for promoting intra-COMESA and inter-COMESA trade.
“We firmly believe that without access to markets, micro, small and medium enterprises struggle to survive, and the aspirations for regional economic integration cannot be realised,” said Mr Ngwira.
“I want to assure all micro, small and medium enterprises present today that this training programme will be a transformative opportunity for accessing market prospects at the local, regional, and international levels.
“It will complement other initiatives that COMESA is promoting, such as Sokokuu, the 50 Million African Women Speak platform, and the Africa Trade Observatory.
“As the world shifts towards digitalisation, it is imperative that we keep pace with these changes to maintain our relevance in global markets.”
Online Reporter