Zeparu launches economic barometer

in-depth review and update stakeholders on macro-economic developments in the country.
Zeparu executive director Dr Gibson Chigumira said the research is geared at providing valuable input into the policy-making process and promoting evidence based policy-making.
“The research output is intended to benefit a broad spectrum of stakeholders including Government, the private sector and the civil society.
“We envisage that the economic barometer will go a long way in promoting evidence-based policymaking through harnessing and harvesting knowledge on best and avoidable practices in economic policy management,” he said.
The barometer addresses recent global economic developments, fiscal and monetary developments in the country over the first six months of 2011.
Prominence was also attached towards tracking the world and regional economic developments and outlook, socio-economic developments and other topical issues within the economic domain over the period of analysis.
“It is our strongest conviction that through hard work, commitment and high levels of professionalism, Zeparu can become the economic think-tank that stakeholders within the country and region can rely upon for evidence based economic based economic policy advice,” said Mr Chigumira.
The report also looks at other topical issues such as Zimbabwe’s competitiveness where it was rated lowly in terms of the Global Competitive Index with the overall ranking of 136 out of 139.
“Despite efforts to improve the economy’s macro-economic environment, the Zimbabwean economy still faces challenges of improving its competitiveness.
“Government should continue to negotiate long-term external lines of credit to enable companies to access relatively cheaper funding for recapitalisation,” read the report.
The economic barometer also indicated that the refurbishment of power stations remains key to enable companies to have adequate and reliable electricity that is critical for sustained economic growth.
“Government should create fiscal space to improve service delivery in the health and education sector,” read the report.
The report also emphasised the need by the Government to protect property rights to ensure that investments are safe.