Tinaye Agere
Mukudzei Chingwere
Zimbabwe is a safe and attractive investment destination, and President Mnangagwa is committed to creating a business-friendly environment to attract global investments, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has assured regional countries.
VP Chiwenga was addressing the SADC Investment Conference taking place alongside the 7th SADC Industrialisation Week and Exhibition.
This year’s investment conference is running under the theme “Promoting Innovation to Unlock Opportunities for Sustainable Economic Growth and Development Towards an Industrialised SADC”.
The theme, VP Chiwenga said, aligns with the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap, which aims at enhancing the policy environment for industrial development, improving investment efficiency and creating regional value chains.
He also implored regional countries to leverage on the comparative advantages of SADC, such as peace and stability, educated populace, natural resources, favourable climate and integrated transport infrastructure, to boost productivity and seize trading opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Let me assure you that Zimbabwe is a safe and attractive investment destination,” said VP Chiwenga.
“The Government, led by His Excellency, the President Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, is committed to creating a business-friendly environment and attracting global investments.
“The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Investment Agency (ZIDA) and One-Stop Investment Services Centre (OSISC) streamline investment processes, thereby reducing registration timelines.
“Harmonising investment laws, enhancing investment facilitation and prioritising commercially viable projects will catalyse investment and economic development in the region.”
He said Zimbabwe’s infrastructure upgrades, energy sector opportunities and rich mineral resources offer diverse investment prospects for the SADC region and the world.
VP Chiwenga also said collaboration to enhance productive capacities, competitiveness and attract foreign direct investment was crucial.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube also spoke of financing industrial development to attract private investment into SADC, which he says is the cornerstone of the bloc.
AfCFTA secretary-general Mr Wamkele Mene spoke on the opportunities available at the continental level.
Speakers from Afreximbank also expressed their commitment to participate in the development of SADC countries.
Online Reporter