Blessings Chidakwa
Senior Reporter
THE business community should accelerate investment, value addition and beneficiation to support the country’s ambition of attain upper middle-income economy status by 2030, President Mnangagwa has said.
Addressing a highly subscribed ZANU PF Presidential Fundraising Dinner in Harare tonight, the President said the private sector has a key role to play in advancing national development, modernisation and industrialisation.
“I am confident that as business and industry, you will play your part by running with the national Vision and NDS2 (National Development Strategy 2), as well as adhering to all laws, including meeting all statutory obligations. Always lead by example,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also implored businesses to maximise opportunities arising from the processing of Zimbabwe’s natural resources rather than relying on exporting raw materials.
“Additionally, fully occupy the space arising out of value addition and beneficiation of our country’s natural resources,” he said.
Local businesses were also exhorted to exploit opportunities offered by Zimbabwe’s membership of SADC, COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade Area to access wider markets and attract investments.
Political and economic stability, coupled with investment and enterprise, President Mnangagwa added, was important for creating a prosperous society where no one and no place is left behind.
President Mnangagwa thanked businesspeople, party members and other well-wishers for supporting the initiative, describing their support as an expression of partnership between the party and the business community.
First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, who is also Secretary for Environment and Tourism, and Vice President and ZANU PF Second Secretary Dr Kembo Mohadi are among the top dignitaries in attendance.
The dinner, dubbed President’s Ball, seeks to raise US$6 million towards preparations for the party’s 23rd National People’s Conference slated for Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West province, next week.
The conference is scheduled to run from October 12 to 17.
