Vice President Mohadi to officially open ZIST conference

VICE President Kembo Mohadi is expected to officially open the Zimbabwe Institute of Strategic Thinking (ZIST) stakeholder engagement conference in Victoria Falls today.

ZIST is a solution-oriented think tank that has been gathering different economic sector players to discuss key economic issues.
This year’s conference is being held under the theme: “Priming all institutions towards the delivery of Vision 2030.”

ZIST held its inaugural National Economic Policy Dialogue last year under the theme: “Re-shoring private sector growth: Creating conditions for a predictable business operating environment,” and since then several meetings have been held bringing together the public and private sectors.

Yesterday, Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Raji Modi addressed the conference participants, calling upon public and private sector players to take advantage of various platforms to forge partnerships that complement Government efforts towards economic transformation.

Cde Modi said the Government was doing its part to put in place appropriate policy measures that promote industrial development and local beneficiation thereby creating jobs for Zimbabweans.

“It’s, therefore, critical that we engage through such fora as this one as they play a significant role in enhancing communication and interface between and among all economic players and development partners across all sectors.

“This will help not to only broaden the development agenda in line with the National Development Strategy 1 and Vision 2030, but also secure a collective stakeholder buy-in and commitment.

“Seek partnerships as industry, academia strategic thinkers, policymakers to guarantee a broader and meaningful participation in the mainstream economy and then achieve sustainable development and prosperity,” said Dep Min Modi.

He commended ZIST for providing the platform for strategic engagements towards galvanising aspirations and energies to revitalise the economy.

“I, therefore, would like to ask all of us here to work together in priming all our respectable institutions towards attaining Vision 2030.

“Today’s event is a clear testimony to the momentous gathering in pushing the country’s development agenda,” said Cde Modi.
“As a ministry, we are pleased to witness the working relationship among relevant economic players with the country leveraging on the strategy as a catalyst to transform the Zimbabwe economy.

“This, I assure you, will ensure that the industry rebounds and the economy flourishes as we work together and partner as public and private sectors,” said the Dep Minister.

He urged industry players to participate in the upcoming Sadc Industrialisation Week from 28 July to 2 August where 150 local and foreign companies will participate.

ZIST chief executive Dr Eric Muzamhindo said the conference will emphasize the importance of clear short and long-term planning.

He said the success of Vision 2030 lies in the collective efforts of all stakeholders, hence the conference will serve as a springboard for collaboration and progress.

“Collaboration is vital in driving economic growth and development. This conference aims to bring together diverse stakeholders who can contribute their unique perspectives and expertise to find collective solutions,” said Dr Muzamhindo.

“Stakeholders will engage in discussions on effective planning strategies to ensure that goals are not only achievable but also sustainable.

“This will involve considering potential risks, identifying opportunities, and devising strategies to overcome obstacles.” — @ncubeleon