By Claver Nyuki in Bulawayo
President Emmerson Mnangagwa today officiated at the annual ZimTrade Exporters Conference in Bulawayo where he officially launched the Zimbabwe National Trade Policy Vision and Export Development and Promotion Strategy document.
The conference, running under the theme “Rethink, Reform, Export,” attracted local, regional and international exporters and buyers keen to invest and market the country.
Addressing the gathering, President Mnangagwa applauded ZimTrade for organising the event as it accords the chance for “constructive dialogue regarding measures for creating and augmenting an enabling environment to boost our exports and international trade.”
President Mnangagwa also commended the move to hold the conference in Bulawayo as it is in line with Government policy of devolution while appreciating the theme of the event.
“I applaud the fact that this is the first time this forum is being held in Bulawayo, which is befitting, given that the city is an industrial hub and a special economic zone.
“The theme of this year’s exporters Conference ‘Rethink, Reform, Export,’ is timely as it reinforces the need for all stakeholders to introspect, strategises on this weighty responsibility of foreign currency generation,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also stressed the need for both private and public sector to unite and work towards stabilising and growing the country’s economy.
“There is an urgent need for both the public and private sectors to synergise our efforts and collectively take appropriate steps to boost our country’s exports which is the most sustainable way to stabilise and grow our economy.
“I would like to reiterate that Zimbabwe is open for business, hence we need to work together in creating an enabling environment for strategic trade and investment,” he added.
The President also admitted to a couple of economic challenges being caused by climate change and continued illegal sanctions and implored on everyone to be innovative in dealing with the country’s problems.
“The effects of the on-going climate change coupled with the illegal sanctions hamper market access, access to credit finance and processing of international payments.
“Our current position, therefore, calls for robust, innovative, collaborative strategies and efforts build productive capacity and generate value added exports,” he said.
During the plenary session, President Mnangagwa lamented the high number of transformer thefts, declaring that those involved should be punished. He went on to reveal that there are plans underway to develop technology in order to be able to monitor and track the transformers through technology.
President Mnangagwa then implored on provinces to develop Export Development Strategies and Plans aligned with the National Export Strategy Policy and Zimbabwe National Trade Policy albeit based on their respective resource endowment if the vision of a middle class economy is to be realised.
