Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
A new Industrial Development Policy is being finalised as the country seeks to consolidate gains and further expand the manufacturing output.
The government met captains of industry and commerce to assess the input of the Zimbabwe Industrial Development policy ahead of the launch of the new Industrial Development Policy in the next few months.
The captains of industry and commerce, who met government officials in Harare this Tuesday, are expecting the five-year blueprint to achieve its intended goals.
“Such a meeting is vital as it brings to the limelight issues that need to be ironed out so that as an industry we are not shocked or surprised by any policy pronouncements that matter to industry growth, we hope that what we are all sharing and exchanging notes on will be included in the policy document to ensure continuity and consolidate the current gains,” said Confederation of Zimbabwe Industry chief executive officer, Ms Sekai Kuvarika.
” Industry has been on a growth trajectory and what is needed is the impetus to move the firms forward it is within that perspective we are anticipating further growth and looking forward to policies that do not hinder growth so indeed this meeting with the government has provided an opportunity to find each other in identifying the key result areas where we are in terms of formulation and the way forward,” said Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer, Mr Chris Mugaga.
Cabinet Committee on Innovation, Science, Technology and Industrialisation Chairperson, Professor Amon Murwira revealed that the policy document is already finalised and will be submitted to authorities for consideration.
“We are meeting again with captains of industry and commerce so that we finalise the entire process the initiative is to come up with a balanced document that represents the views of industry including the government therefore it is our hope that the deliberations today will usher a platform to intensify the vision 2030 aspirations in line with the need to transform industry in contributing to more jobs, exports and output,” he said.
The new industrial policy will seek to ensure the private sector takes the lead in socio-economic development.
