Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
HARARE-THE private sector has been commended for supporting the government’s development agenda by giving input in efforts to ease the business environment in the country.
A regulatory impact assessment stakeholder dialogue was held in Harare this Thursday, with stakeholders from the National Economic Consultative Forum (NECF), business people under the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), and the National Competition Commission (NCC) giving their input.
It emerged during a meeting that the private sector also contributed on proposals to make Zimbabwe an investor-friendly nation.
“It is not only the private sector but all the stakeholders so as NECF we remain committed to do our best in as far as our mission to focus on economic development is concerned this meeting held today therefore presents that opportunity to further scale up our relations with industry and commerce, identify the needs of the economy and provide the necessary recommendations,” Steering Committee Co-Chairperson National Economic Consultative Forum, Dr Mike Bimha said.
The business community contends that continuous review of regulations is key for industrial growth.
“There is that aspect of identifying the needs of industry and commerce including the need to take into account possible measures to sustain the growth trajectory of the economy and this can only be sustained if there are workable policies to boost inflows and make Zimbabwe a favourable business destination for all,” CEO Shipping and Freight Forwarders Association of Zimbabwe, Mr Washington Dube said.
Regulatory authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to favourable measures for industrial growth.
“This meeting is being held at the right time when expectations are all on what needs to be done to make Zimbabwe an attractive investment destination, so all the input will be ideal in terms of helping economic decision makers on what can be done to take the nation forward,” Executive Director National Competitiveness Commission, Mr Phillip Phiri said.
Zimbabwe is focusing on implementing investor-friendly policies to maintain a positive annual growth rate, which is this year anticipated to be at around six percent.
Meanwhile, the platform also presented the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation with an opportunity to clarify the recently gazetted Broadcasting Services Amendment Act, particularly the new clause on vehicle radio licencing.
The Broadcasting Services Amendment Act became operational this Tuesday, and key changes to the law include a new requirement for motorists to obtain a ZBC radio licence or exemption before vehicle licencing or insurance can be processed.
