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Nqobile Tshili Business Correspondent
MORE than 100 businesspeople have submitted their names for participation in the Zimbabwe-China investment talks expected shortly.
The Government has been forced to postpone the trip to cater for a larger delegation from the initial proposal of 20, Macro-Economic Planning and Investment Promotion Minister, Dr Obert Mpofu, said.
He said the trip, which was scheduled for July 10 to July 15 has been postponed to a date yet to be announced, to facilitate smooth engagement by the bigger delegation with the Asian giant.
Dr Mpofu would lead the delegation as part of efforts to cement economic ties with China and marketing the country’s investment opportunities.
“The visas, delegation and documentation have been organised. But due to the overwhelming response, the travelling dates will be reorganised in consultation with the host country,” said Dr Mpofu.
“The response has been overwhelming. I think we’ve over 100 people that want to go.
“The arrangements have to be reorganised to cater for that sort of numbers.
“Initially we were going to be less than 20. But because of the desire by the business people who are interested parties, we’re going to have over 100 participants mostly from the business sector.”
He said he recently visited China to discuss economic opportunities focusing on special economic zones (SEZs).
“We’re now changing the ways of conducting business focusing on ‘ease of doing business’ in Zimbabwe.
“We’re trying to attract investors so that they don’t face many hustles when they start businesses in the country,” he said.
Dr Mpofu said once the law on SEZs is promulgated the economic fortunes of the country will be transformed.
He said companies investing in SEZs will be exempt from various taxes that usually scare away investors.
He said many foreign companies have shown interest on the opportunities brought about by the SEZs.
“There are so many companies and individuals who’ve shown interest on this programme. I’ll be going to China next week to discuss the SEZs under the China-Africa Forum Commission.
“The good thing about SEZs is that those who’re going to be enlisted in them are not going to be bothered about labour laws and taxes among others,” he said.
Online Reporter