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Thupeyo Muleya-Beitbridge Bureau
Matabeleland South Province is set to go through massive economic transformation following the successful hosting of a two-day investment expo and indaba held in Beitbridge last week Thursday and Friday.
The province has three urban councils and seven rural district councils, all rich in investment opportunities in various economic sectors.
Its economy is anchored on mining, livestock production, agro processing facilities, tourism, information communication, financial services and banking and technology, energy and power development, transport and logistics, irrigation development and infrastructure development.
Most of these sectors are yet to be fully exploited and called on businesses to take up opportunities.
The event running under the theme “Unlocking the future: Showcasing resources and boundless opportunities” was jointly coordinated by the office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution and Ataraxia Communications Group.
Scores of captains of industries, diasporans, Government agencies, businessmen, farmers participated at the conference that was held in a hybrid format allowing for both physical and virtual participation.
Government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) mandated to enhance diaspora participation in national development also attended the conference.
The Minister of State for provincial affairs, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu said, in a speech read on her behalf by the Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mrs Lathiso Dhlamini – Maseko, that the main objective of the conference was to unveil the investment opportunities to the local, foreign and diasporas investors.
The Minister said it was critical for investors to explore opportunities that come with the setting up of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in all the seven administrative districts.
She said the conference was being held as a follow up to a similar event held in the province last year.
“Our aim is to showcase investment opportunities that are ready for uptake by the diaspora and local investors, building on the momentum set by the previous conference we hosted last year,” said Minister Ndlovu.
“We are aiming at deepening and broadening diaspora engagement and dialogue between the province and the investment stakeholders and today we have showcased the vast investment opportunities available across key economic sectors within our province.
“We have engaged stakeholders on the policies and incentives available to investors, and we have strengthened public-private partnerships to enhance local economic growth. Most importantly we have created a networking platform and knowledge sharing among industry leaders and entrepreneurs”.
She continued; “These connections made and the deals struck during this Expo and Indaba will have a lasting impact on the economic development of our province”.
The Minister said the SEZ had been designated to offer favourable business conditions, tax incentives and streamlined regulatory processes to attract foreign and domestic investment.
She said a Chinese investor, Xintai Resources in partnership with the Government was setting up a US$3,6 billion industrial park in Beitbridge under the Palm River Project to enhance mining development and rural transformation.
Dr Ndlovu said the province was strategically located on the regional and international trade corridor making it a premium zone for investment.
“Our provincial proximity to South Africa has brought about the Trans Limpopo Spatial Development initiative aimed to create a robust economic corridor, fostering increased trade and investment between Limpopo province and Matabeleland South.”
“I am pleased to announce that through the initiative, we have twinning arrangements between local authorities in the two provinces that facilitate the sharing of best practices to attract investment,” she added.
The provincial director of Economic Development and Environment, Mr Richmond Ncube said they were happy with the feedback from the conference participants and that they had noted some areas needing attention to create a good environment for investment.
“We also had an excursion tour of the Palm River project to showcase among investors the benefits of taking up opportunities in the Special Economic Zone areas,” he said.
Ataraxia Communications Group project coordinator, Mr Felix Gwatidzo said they had decided to partner the Government to drive investment development in Matabeleland South.
“Our idea is to carry out more projects in line with the Government’s envisaged vision 2030 that is set to transform many lives.
“This province is rich in development opportunities and we are happy to note that there has been an interest by many investors to explore opportunities in designated SEZ areas,” he said.
A Gwanda based businessman, Mr Thomas Gwatida said he had learnt a lot from the expo and that such platforms are helpful in educating potential investors on the processes they have to go through to realise their dreams.
Online Reporter