We continue to invite both domestic and foreign investors to tap into the diverse opportunities offered in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and the open economy in general.
In this regard, the continuing dialogue around SEZs and the view expressed at the ZITF Business Conference, along with the knowledge and best practices we have received from beyond our borders are indeed insightful and will be useful as we accelerate the implementation of these Zones.
The designation of Special Economic Zones is ongoing and will be both area and commodity-based.
As I alluded in my address during the 38th Independence Day commemoration, my recent visit to the People’s Republic of China, will see the speeding up of the Victoria Falls as the Tourism and Financial Special Economic Zone.
I challenge local business to play their part and take up the opportunities that Government has made available through various policy instruments.
On a related note, let me take this opportunity to urge Bulawayo to take advantage of its Special Economic Zone status to emerge as the industrial, cultural and conferencing hub.
I, thus, implore the local community to “think big” about the immense potential that is abound in this beautiful City of Kings and Queens.
The plan by ZITF Company to establish a hotel and conference centre is indeed welcome and will go a long way, translating into increased employment and quality of life of our people.
Viable industrialisation strategies are fundamental for value addition and beneficiation of our natural and home-grown resources.
I therefore exhort all the players in industry and commerce to produce quality products, increase industrial capacity utilisation, think outside the box, innovative and use technology as well as appropriate solution to reduce productivity costs and enhance product competitiveness.
Industry must adopt viable policies and business strategies which foster export-led economic growth. I further call upon business enterprise to establish business linkages with the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) towards increased collaboration and more inclusive economic growth.
Equally important is the need for closer, purposeful and strategic collaboration between industry and institutions of higher learning to encourage technological advancement and innovation as well as ensure appropriate skill development and knowledge-driven economic development.
The importance of adequate and working infrastructure and utilities as key enablers to economic development cannot over emphasised.
My Government is therefore making concerted efforts to increase the supply of utilities such as electricity and water. The recent commissioning of the Kariba South Hydropower Expansion Project saw an addition of 300MW of electricity into the national grid, and will increase availability of power for both industry and domestic use.
In addition, it is expected that the Hwange Thermal Power Expansion Project will also add 600MW to the national grid upon completion.
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