Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
MORE than 1,000 delegates and 200 exhibitors have confirmed their participation in the inaugural Zimbabwe Industrialisation Conference and Expo (ZICE), which begins this Thursday.
Government, the private sector, development partners and economic policymakers are set to converge at the conference to assess progress in industrial development and explore strategies to accelerate Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda.
Speaking during a media awareness event in Harare on Wednesday, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Zhemu Soda said the conference is central to the country’s industrial growth strategy.
“The conference seeks to accelerate the implementation of Vision 2030, the National Development Strategy Two and the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy Two by unlocking investment, promoting value addition and beneficiation, strengthening regional value chains, advancing innovation and expanding Zimbabwe’s export competitiveness.
“Industrialisation is a deliberate and structured national development process which requires sustainable policies, strategic innovations, technological advancement, productive industries, competitive enterprises and an informed citizenry. Above all, it requires effective communication, and this is where the media becomes indispensable.”
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Commerce Ambassador Tadeous Chifamba said the conference will provide an opportunity to showcase Zimbabwe’s industrial achievements.
“A lot of significant milestones are being achieved in Zimbabwe, and this is the platform through which the nation is advancing the industrialisation agenda, driven by the need to increase investor confidence and realise key socio-economic development aspirations.”
Africa Economic Development Strategies Executive Director Professor Gift Mugano said the conference comes at a critical time as Zimbabwe seeks to strengthen its industrial base.
“This is critically important as the nation works towards crafting sustainable policies that boost industrial development. The conference provides an opportunity to consolidate current gains while focusing on long-term development goals.”
The conference comes as Zimbabwe continues to record growth in the manufacturing sector, increased investment in machinery and equipment, more than 80 percent local product penetration in retail outlets, a reduced import bill, expanding productive sectors and improved macroeconomic stability.
