Chronicle Editor
Midlands Bureau Chief
THE city of Gweru in the Midlands Province is reaping rewards from the Second Republic’s mantra “Zimbabwe is open for business” following the opening of a US$250 000 workshop by a South African company, Tiger Wheel and Tyre.
Government’s “Zimbabwe is open for business” concept continues to attract foreign direct investment into the country and the opening of a new branch of Tiger Wheel and Tyre — part of TiAuto Investments (PTY) Ltd, is set to improve the Midlands Provincial Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Since the inception of the Second Republic, the Midlands province has attracted huge investments notably the US$1,5 billion Chinese investor, Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Disco) at the Manhize area in Chirumhanzu District in the Midlands Province, chrome smelting plant at Zimasco as well as the optimisation of Mimosa Mining Company processing among other life-changing projects.
The opening of a new branch by Tiger Wheel and Tyre makes it the ninth outlet in the country with the company commending Government for creating a conducive environment for investment opportunities.
The branch, which was set up at a cost of US$250 000, has since provided employment to locals with the firm set to open more branches across the country.
Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube officially opened the Tiger Wheel and Tyre workshop yesterday.
He said the Government will continue to open space for businesses to thrive in line with the National Development Strategy (NDS1) and Vision 2030.
“Guided by Vision 2030, the Government is focused on promoting a sound business environment for all potential investors as well as the aspirations of people of Zimbabwe towards job creation and improved living standards,” he said.
Minister Ncube said the province welcomes the new foreign and domestic investments.
He said Government will continue to protect new investments and promote private sector-led economic development.
The launch of the new shop, he said, is a reinforcement of commitment to provide the people of Zimbabwe with quality products and services at affordable prices thereby creating safety for all.
“The service provided by Tiger Wheel and Tyre to the transport sector has a significant contribution to the Midlands provincial gross domestic product in the mining, manufacturing, retail and agricultural value chains,” said Minister Ncube.
“The commissioning of Tiger Wheel and Tyre is a confirmation of the positive impact of easy doing business reform put in place in 2018 by the Second Republic under the leadership of President Mnangagwa to encourage more foreign direct investment.”
Tiger Wheel and Tyre managing director, Mr Rishi Magecha said the US$250 000 shop becomes the second after Kwekwe in the Midlands Province.
He said the company will continue striving to provide exceptional service to the public.
“Tiger Wheel and Tyre has always strived to maintain a high level of professionalism and customer service from our beginning to the expansion witnessed on this day,” he said.
Mr Magecha said apart from providing exceptional service they look forward to becoming part of the Gweru community.
“We want to create employment and work harder to serve with care and participate in the community events in Gweru.
Creating safety and protecting your vehicles is part of our duty. A vehicle is more than just a property, but a special cog in our day-to-day lives,” he said.
Mr Magecha said the company was happy to be operating in Zimbabwe as the environment is quite conducive.
He said they intend to open more branches in other places across the country.
Online Reporter