Online Reporter
President Mnangagwa said Government will continue implementing bold policy reforms aimed at stimulating investment, accelerating industrial growth and creating jobs.
Addressing guests and captains of industry and commerce at the commissioning of Varum Beverages Zimbabwe’s Cheetos snacks manufacturing plant in Harare on Wednesday, President Mnangagwa said Cabinet had approved sweeping reductions in regulatory fees, licences and compliance costs affecting key sectors of the economy.
“My Government stands ready to refine the ease of doing business and partner with the private sector to unlock the full potential of our economy,” said President Mnangagwa. He said Government will not hesitate to take bold decisions to stimulate investment, industrial growth and job creation. Government has revised compliance fees for all local authorities and in some cases abolished levies and slashed parking fees.
The move is expected to not only boost businesses but also improve profit margins and promote investment. Retail outlets are expected to benefit more from abolished fees which were discouraging businesses from expanding.
A retail outlet which wanted to expand to include a bakery had to obtain a fresh licence but this has since been abolished. Retail outlets can now expand their range of services to include takeaways, restaurants and bottle stores without seeking new licences as was the case in the past.
Government has also slashed parking fees which are now capped at 50 cents an hour for all local authorities while clamping fees are now capped at USD20. Some local authorities were charging as high as USD85 clamping fees.
The other abolished fees are timber transportation levy, cattle levy and livestock movement clearance, borehole/water abstraction levy, butchery licence within a licenced retail shop and carcass inspection fees.
To complement this bold move by Government, President Mnangagwa has urged Cabinet Ministers to ensure there is no unwarranted rigidity inflated individualities and bureaucratic lethargy in the discharge of duty by civil servants and those working for State enterprises.
He said Government will not tolerate any conduct that frustrates progress such as sitting on documents.
President Mnangagwa said Government was answerable to the people and as such accountable governance must be encouraged going forward. He said citizens looked up to Government to facilitate investments across all sectors as well as help deliver services and higher quality of life.
President Mnangagwa said hesitation, the dragging of feet and fence sitting were not acceptable dispositions under his administration.
He said Government will ensure Zimbabwe remains a safe, secure and competitive investment destination.
President Mnangagwa said local production of globally celebrated brands such as Varum Beverages products was an endorsement of the country’s economy and policies.
