malvernmugadzikwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
The 56th session of the United Nations Economic Commission for African ministers of finance, planning and economic development conference set to be hosted by Zimbabwe in February next year will have an enormous impact on the continent’s economic growth and development, a top UN official has said.
Speaking after paying a courtesy call on Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga at his Munhumutapa offices in Harare yesterday, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) executive secretary Ambassador Claver Gatete said the conference was geared towards finding solutions to challenges facing the continent.
The annual conference, which will be held in Victoria Falls from February 24 to March 5, will be attended by African ministers of finance and economic development, trade and investment, as well as central bank governors.
“We came here to brief him about the progress of the event, the conference of ministers of finance and economic development, governors of reserve banks and ministers of trade and industry,” he said.
“This is a continental event, where African countries will be participating.
“This is an annual event and this time Southern Africa will host the event and Zimbabwe was chosen to host.”
He said his office was working with
the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, to ensure the event is successful.
“It (the conference) is going to discuss a number of issues affecting us, especially financial issues.
“We are also going to look at issues such as climate, development.
“We are also going to look at implementation of policies that benefit African countries and technology in the development process.”
Deputy Finance Minister Kuda Mnangagwa said the conference will open doors for enhanced economic cooperation among African countries.
“The executive secretary for UNECA had the chance to meet with the (then) Acting President Dr Chiwenga.
“As you are aware, we will be hosting the UNECA, the conference for African Ministers, so this is gauging the state of preparedness,” he said.
“As highlighted by Amb Gatete in the meeting, it will open doors on how Africa can reconfigure our infrastructure in terms of how we finance and do business.”
UNECA was established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations in 1958 as one of the UN’s five regional commissions with a mandate to promote the economic and social development of its member states, foster intra-regional integration and promote international cooperation for Africa’s development.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu