ZITF to host International Business Conference

Zimbabwe International Business Conference, which is running under the theme “Optimising growth synergies in an emerging investment destination: Turning opportunities into values”.
The conference will be held on May 4 at the main arena of the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.
The conference is being co-hosted by the National Economic Consultative Forum, the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce and ZITF.
According to the organisers, the conference will focus on strategies needed to enhance the country’s investment climate, which currently suffers from negative perceptions internationally.
ZNCC president Mr Trust Chikohora said the conference provides an opportunity for participants to thrash out issues around the country’s constrained investment climate, especially in view of the misconceptions of the local business environment that are prevailing in the international community.
“The theme of the conference is focusing on Zimbabwe’s investment climate, and anticipations are that participants will be able to map out a strategy for improving the investment climate.
“The negative perceptions on our business operating environment have had negative effects on the economy, especially on the issue of new capital inflows,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s present Competitiveness and Doing Business rankings are not conducive for investment attraction.
According to the 2011 World Bank Doing Business Report, the country was ranked 157 out of 183.
In the Competitiveness Report of 2010 to 2011, Zimbabwe was ranked 130 out of 139 countries.
Vice President Joice Mujuru is expected to deliver the keynote address on the theme “Turning challenges into opportunities through transforming the Zimbabwean economy towards the First World”.
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and his deputy, Professor Arthur Mutambara, are also expected to speak.
Other speakers will include African Development Bank president Dr Donald Kaberuka, Shanduka Group of South Africa chairman Mr Cyril Ramaphosa and Zimbabwe Investment Authority chief executive Mr Richard Mbaiwa.
NECF steering committee chairperson Mr Mike Ndudzo, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Holdings chief executive Mr Happison Muchechetere, Ministry of Industry and Commerce permanent secretary Mrs Abigail Shonhiwa and Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries president Mr Joseph Kanyekanye are also on the speakers’ line-up.
Other speakers are Zesa Holdings chief executive Engineer Josh Chifamba, Walvis Bay Corridor Group chief executive Mr Johnny Smith, Econet Wireless chief executive Mr Douglas Mboweni and Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce president Mr Trust Chikohora.
A yet unidentified Euromoney expert on emerging markets and Horticultural Promotion Council of Zimbabwe chief executive Mr Basilio Sandamu complete the line-up.