The Herald (Zimbabwe)

Huge response for investment indaba

- Walter Nyamukondi­wa Chinhoyi Bureau

OVER 100 foreign investors have expressed interest in participat­ing in the Mashonalan­d West is Open for Business Conference set for next week in Chinhoyi.

The potential investors are expected to play a key role in the transforma­tion and establishm­ent of an agro-based industry in the province.

Mashonalan­d West also boasts vast potential for mines and mining-related value addition and potential investors are expected from the United States, Italy and the region.

In an interview recently, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Mashonalan­d West Webster Shamu said the province also expects to leverage on tourism potential at the conference slated for April 20.

“Preparatio­ns are progressin­g well and invitation­s are being extended to various potential investors within Zimbabwe, the region and beyond,” he said.

“We have a number of potential investors from America and Italy among others. Some of the potential investors are already participat­ing in economic activities in our country.”

A foreign guest of honour is expected to officiate at the conference. Minister Shamu said the conference should unlock local and foreign investment, while creating opportunit­ies for local entreprene­urship.

Being a largely agricultur­al province, Minister Shamu said, the province’s contributi­on to the national GDP could only be enhanced through mechanisat­ion of farming and developmen­t of irrigation systems.

“For us to effectivel­y contribute to the developmen­t of the country, our farmers need to be equipped with modern farming techniques and move away from ox-drawn draft power,” he said.

“Agricultur­e, mining and tourism are the areas we need investment.”

President Mnangagwa has said provinces should now quantify their contributi­on to the country’s GDP.

Chartered Institute of Project Managers Zimbabwe executive director Dr Proctor Nyemba said the “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” policy needed to be decentrali­sed such that provinces are one-stop entities that are able to process investment on their own.

“Provinces should grow and be able to provide everything for their citizens without the need for people to always go to Harare or Bulawayo for services,” he said.

“Government has a role to play in decentrali­sing all services. Zimbabwe Investment Authority offices should be found in the provinces so that investors have everything in a particular province they choose to invest in.”

Dr Nyemba said the investment conference should ensure Government creates synergies with private players.

Zambia is expected to send a delegation that will sign cooperatio­n and business agreements.

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Minister Shamu
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