adminpartner indigenous Zimbabweans in their operations, Economic Planning and Investment Promotion Minister Tapiwa Mashakada has said.
Speaking during the provincial launch of the Medium Term Plan (2011-2015) in Masvingo yesterday, Minister Mashakada said there was nothing extra-ordinary about the programme as many countries had similar programmes.
His statements were in stark contrast to Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s condemnation of the programme.
Minister Mashakada is the MDC-T deputy secretary general.
Mr Tsvangirai has indicated that his party would concentrate on job creation and not indigenisation.
“The indigenisation programme is a very noble move by our Government and I do not see anything wrong with it and it is even common, regionally and internationally, to have countries calling for investors to enter into partnership with indigenous people when starting businesses,” he said.
Minister Mashakada urged foreign companies to enter into partnerships with Zimbabweans on a 51-49 percent shareholding basis as a way to empower Zimbabweans.
Minister Mashakada said Government, through the Medium Term Plan, had the capacity to fund most of its programmes and projects.
He said the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme’s decision to let Zimbabwe sell its diamonds was a “shot in the arm” for the country.
“We are quite aware that we are on our own.
“There is not going to be any external support from donors or elsewhere and I am quite sure that we will be able to pull through because we have the resources to support our economy.”
He expressed confidence that Zimbabwe would pull through from its various natural resources.
Minister Mashakada said the MTP would ensure that there would be adequate funding for roads, bridges, dams and irrigation schemes around the country.
He said Government had targeted the establishment of several mini hydro power stations across Zimbabwe to alleviate power outages.
Government has prioritised completion of the Tokwe-Murkosi dam by 2013 for large-scale irrigation development and rehabilitation of the Chilonga and Runde bridges in the Lowveld.
Minister Mashakada said Government would host a Masvingo Investment conference so that investors can appreciate the opportunities in the province.
Online Reporter