Story by Owen Mandovha
GOVERNMENT has approved a reduction in fees, levies and permit costs in the agricultural sector, as part of ongoing efforts to improve the ease of doing business and lower operational costs for producers.
The decision was taken at Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting and forms part of a broader reform programme initiated last year, which has seen similar cost-cutting measures introduced across several sectors of the economy.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Zhemu Soda, said Cabinet had endorsed a review of licensing requirements affecting agriculture, with the aim of easing regulatory burdens on the sector.
The Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, noted that Treasury will cushion some state enterprises which may be affected by a drop in revenues arising from these broad measures.
The government has also considered and approved a governance framework to enhance regulatory oversight, improve customer protection and expand access to renewable energy.
In other business, Cabinet received and approved an update on Zimbabwe’s participation in the forthcoming International Art Exhibition, scheduled to take place in Italy from May to November this year.
Further updates were presented by Vice President General Retired Dr Constantino Chiwenga on his visit to Goa, India, in December last year, and by Vice President Colonel Retired Dr Kembo Mohadi on his recent trip to Zambia, where he attended the Kakaro and Kavalamanji commemorations.
