Private sector must lead in policy reforms
GOVERNMENT has reiterated its call for the private sector to play a leading role in driving policy reforms that accelerate industrial transformation in line with the country’s developmental growth plans.
In a speech read on her behalf yesterday at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) annual congress by Chief Director of Commerce, Dr Douglas Runyowa, Industry and Commerce Minister, Dr Sekai Nzenza, said businesses must also adhere to good ethics and shun indiscipline, which attracts punishment.
Dr Sekai Nzenza
The minister said many companies have broken barriers through improved operations and reached new heights despite a plethora of macroeconomic obstacles.
“Government, under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) has placed the private sector as the engine for accelerated and sustainable growth and development, hence, we continue to invite the private sector to take the lead in policy reforms and supporting Government’s programmes to develop the motherland and address the perennial challenges affecting our country,” said Dr Nzenza.
“Let’s continue to strengthen the public-private relations and shun those that try to derail progress. We can only achieve our national goals if we remain united. We are the creators of our own destiny and by working together; we can reach greater heights.” The ZNCC congress began in the afternoon and ends on Friday under the theme: “Transforming economic realities into market opportunities.” The gathering is also focused on discussing ways to boost intra-continental trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), driving domestic and foreign investment, among others.
Coming at a time when Zimbabwe’s economy is facing macro-economic challenges and resurgent inflationary forces, the gathering is expected to proffer solutions and policy guidelines to authorities so as to steer sustained economic growth.
Dr Nzenza said the congress has come at an opportune time where businesses and economies have adopted new survival tactics in line with the new normal ushered in by the Covid-19 pandemic, geo-political tensions, and the global financial crisis which brought with them positives and negatives.
Dr Douglas Runyowa
She said technological advancements driven by the Fourth Industrial Revolution were pushing more business transactions to be conducted online.
“In this regard, all businesses are encouraged to embrace the rapidly changing technology of increasing interconnectivity, smart automation, and social patterns as this will enable businesses to define their trajectory and success in the modern world,” said Dr Nzenza. “We encourage businesses to take advantage of such developments to tap into the global market. Regular review and alignment of organizational strategies with global economic realities, even at local level, will in itself create new market opportunities that can only reward the brave.”
Dr Nzenza said the Government will continue to implement measures that enhance the Ease of Doing Business and underscored some of the successes achieved in the economy. —chronicle
