A HIGH-POWERED workshop on the proposed special economic zones (SEZ) seen as a panacea to the country’s struggling industries is on the cards as the government attempts to revive the comatose economy.
MTHANDAZO NYONI OWN CORRESPONDENT
Information obtained by Southern Eye Business indicates the Finance and Economic Development and Industry and Commerce ministries, in collaboration with the World Bank, United Nations Development Programme, Africa Development Bank (AfDB) and USAid/Sera would be holding a stakeholders’ workshop on the re-establishment of special economic zones in Zimbabwe.
To be held under the theme: “Promoting transformational and inclusive growth”, the workshop would gather together ministries, parliamentarians, heads of ministries, provincial heads, parastatals, bankers, industrialists, embassies, academia, among others.
The international experts will be drawn from China, Mauritius, Uganda, World Bank group and the AfDB.
“The workshop will provide a policy dialogue on establishment of SEZs in Zimbabwe and better understanding on the approach and focus from a Zimbabwe context,” part of the statement from the organisers whose dates are yet to be determined, reads.
“The dialogue also provides an opportunity for Zimbabwe to learn from other countries’ experiences, in the region and elsewhere. The stakeholders’ workshop is thus, a government strategy which seeks to provide a platform for technical discussion on the establishment of SEZs in Zimbabwe,” it added.
The workshop is projected to provide a way forward in formulating a pathway for an efficient and successful zone development process in Zimbabwe that will amass optimal benefits for the country, its people as well as investors.
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According to the statement, SEZs are guided by the government’s new economic blueprint, ZimAsset.
A special economic zone operates under special regulations that are different from other areas in the same country and in some cases, enjoy tax incentives and exemption from duty on importation of raw materials, among other things, to create an investor-friendly environment.
According to the organisers, the initiative is a useful overall economic growth strategy that plays a crucial role in enhancing competitiveness, job creation, attract foreign direct investment, promote research and development and value chain process in Zimbabwe.
The government has proposed that Bulawayo, which has seen close to 100 companies closing, be declared an SEZ.
But sources in government claim the declaration has been stalled by the slow progress in the amendment of the Investment Act.
