Zimbabwe on the spotlight in London today

“That will be the starting point of the Zimbabwe 2016 conference.  The key ministers, officials and policymakers will be attending to explain their plans and priorities for the rebuilding of the country’s economy. As the country expands its access to the international markets after a long absence, the focus will be on which sectors can produce a rapid response as conditions improve.

“Experts on banking and finance and in the other key economic sectors — agriculture, mining, manufacturing and services — will set out a realistic appraisal of operating conditions today and what has to be done to boost growth and create jobs.

“Also on the rostrum will be several business leaders from Zimbabwe and some of their international partners from Asia, the Americas and Europe. ….

 “For example, Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest businessman, is setting up a $400 million cement factory in Zimababwe, and several French and other European companies show a growing interest in launching projects there.

“Zimbabwean and international bankers will describe how the country can maximise benefits from its return to the international markets.

“Representatives from Zimbabwe’s highly qualified and experienced diaspora will also attend the conference to discuss ways in which they can participate in the national rebuilding project.

“To complete the picture, the conference will not shy away from tackling the critical questions of political risk and security. It will draw on Zimbabwe’s considerable expertise in these matters from across the spectrum and from international speakers, from Asia, Africa and Europe, who have spent many years working in the country.

“Our political and security experts will be asked for their insights on recent developments and for their views on the likely scenarios for the next chapter in the country’s political development.

“Within the course of the day, a delegate to the conference will get detailed and highly informed briefings on the  normalisation of international economic and commercial relations, the policy priorities in this new era, an understanding of the opportunities for growth and investment in each sector and a clear sense of the political and security dynamics.

“All panellists will be urged to speak as frankly as possible and conference moderators will ensure that all the key questions are put to the speakers and that there is adequate time for delegates to raise their own specific concerns with ministers, officials and experts.”

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