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The Office of the President and Cabinet will today hold a workshop to assess progress made against Government targets set under the “Doing Business Reform Agenda” as part of President Mugabe’s Ten-Point Plan. The event marks the close of a 100-Day Rapid Results Initiative, launched in September this year to fast-track key business environment reforms in Zimbabwe.
Government in 2013 sought support of the World Bank to deliver on the reform strategy.
These reforms, which focus on improving the business environment for Zimbabwean entrepreneurs as well as laying foundations to attract sustainable and mutually beneficial foreign direct investment, are expected to enhance Zimbabwe’s competitiveness, create jobs, generate revenue and support growth.
A steering committee under the leadership of Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda, Deputy Chief Secretaries and key Permanent Secretaries was constituted to lead an accelerated reform effort through a Rapid Results Approach.
Five thematic Technical Working Groups, reporting to the Steering Committee were constituted to conceptualise reforms and deliver on action plans that were developed by stakeholders.
“Overall, progress made by the steering committee on various doing business indicators is acceptable and is meeting most of the targets set out at the onset of our reform effort.
“But reforming is a long-term effort, which will greatly contribute to our country’s economic recovery,” said OPC Deputy Chief Secretary Dr Ray Ndlukula.
Technical Working Groups have amended more than eight pieces of legislation, by-laws and regulations, while streamlining various processes within multiple Government ministries, departments and agencies.
Among the laws that have been drafted are a new Insolvency Bill that promotes a culture of corporate rescue to preserve jobs in companies that are viable but experience challenges, a Movable Property Securities Interest Bill ,a Shop Licensing Bill and a Commercial Court Bill.
Business processes that straddled multiple Government agencies have been streamlined and of particular mention are processes to pay taxes at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and processes to secure construction permits from Harare City Council.
“We need to maintain our reform momentum and implement further rapid results initiatives,” said Dr Ndlukula. The World Bank is providing technical expertise to technical working groups as well as financial and logistical support for extensive stakeholder consultations that the reform effort requires.
“The World Bank salutes OPC’s efforts to coordinate the input of a wide range of ministries and institutions in improving fundamental policies that will make Zimbabwe a more attractive destination for investors. “Our institution stands ready to pursue its support to the reform agenda.
“We believe that a more conducive business environment attracting more investment in the country contributes to reducing poverty and boosting shared prosperity for Zimbabwe and Zimbabweans,” said World Bank country manager for Zimbabwe Mrs Camille Nuamah in a brief statement.
Among the prominent speakers at this workshop will be Dr Misheck Sibanda and Mrs Nuamah, representatives of countries at the forefront in funding the Ease of Doing Business reforms, representatives of development partners, representatives of key stakeholders and permanent secretaries from ministries of Finance and Economic Development, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs and Local Government, Public Works and National Housing that will be presenting the progress reports at the conference.
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