adminDAVIPEL Trading boss Mr Davison Norupiri took over the helm of ZNCC at the industry representative body’s annual congress held last week.
The congress, running under the theme “Addressing Competitiveness challenges in the emerging economy”, ran from June 24 to June 26, 2015.
Mr Norupiri, who was ZNCC vice president, takes over from Mr Hlanganiso Matangaidze who had led the organisation for the past two terms.
The new president said his
election signals a “new era, a
new beginning, a new team and hopefully a new philosophy (which) marks the dawn of “more
deeper relations as we continue to maintain a loud, clear, rational
voice in Zimbabwe’s business landscape”.
He said he was humbled to takeover the reigns at a time when the economy is not performing well owing to the “unwanted trade and economic sanctions from the West”, which continue to pose a threat to the growth prospects of this economy.
The ZNCC, which is celebrating 120 years of existence, has remained one of the leading voices in representing both national and business interests at local and international levels.
Mr Norupiri said during Mr Matangaidze’s reign, the chamber became a respected voice in the “corridors of political and business leadership” in Zimbabwe.
“The task which lies ahead can never be overemphasised. It is clear to all and sundry that there is urgent need to grow our membership in leaps and bounds as the current population of membership is not sustainable going forward. This can only be achieved if we work together as a team.
“One thing I am out-rightly confident about is the chamber’s incomparable brand; the brand carries a lot with that the only justice we can make out of it to continue representing all business interest from Zambezi to Limpopo without being guided by any persuasion.
“Indeed, the macro economic
performance continues to pose a challenge to private sector development with macro-economic
variables such as interest rates, unemployment, trade balance, growth fixed capital formation, money supply and taxation levels dominantly at disequilibrium which has sustained macro-economic divergence.
“We are alive to the challenges the Treasury boss Honourable (Patrick) Chinamasa is facing in the next few weeks.
“The nation will be eagerly awaiting for his adjustment to the fiscal policy as he is to announce the 2015 Budget review.
“The fiscal space is shrinking by day while the appetite to import by our citizens is reaching tragicomic levels; this is certainly unacceptable,” said Mr Norupiri.
He urged the business community help in the achievement of Zim-Asset’s objectives.
Online Reporter