The Sunday News
ZIMBABWE should create a conducive climate for investment in order to attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), a prominent local businessman has said.
Mr Jim Ross Goddard who was the guest of honour at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Matabeleland Annual Business Awards Dinner held in Bulawayo on Friday, said the country needed a clear plan on how to come out of its economic challenges.
“It is clear that our nation needs help on its road to economic recovery and we need to carefully examine the various options and partners available to us in achieving this fundamental goal. However, we need to realise that Zimbabwe is not an island. We need to compete on a global scale and we need to create an investment climate that is attractive to potential investors. To do this Government needs to demonstrate a genuinely friendly and open welcome to potential business partners,” said Mr Goddard who is the founder and director of JR Goddard Contracting Company.
He challenged responsible authorities to improve the services at the country’s border posts where in some cases businesses have complained of delays.
“Our borders are too inefficient and cluttered and do not encourage the free-flow of goods. Once past the border posts there are significant delays caused by unnecessary police road blocks hindering the flow of commercial traffic within our borders. We need to make Zimbabwe accessible, welcoming and efficient,” said the businessman.
Mr Goddard called for Zimbabweans in the diaspora to come and invest in the country.
“We need to encourage our learned, experienced and qualified citizens, many of whom are now in diaspora, to return to Zimbabwe with their savings that they have generated externally and invest in Zimbabwe. The return of many skilled diasporans will overcome the critical skills shortages we are experiencing and their input will be a major boost in restoring our economy of Zimbabwe,” said Mr Goddard.
He said Zimbabwe still had infrastructure which could be “restored, updated and improved” for economic turnaround.
“Although a little outdated and aged, we have a very good and expensive infrastructure which can form the backbone of a restored economy,” said Mr Goddard.
“It was not long ago that Zimbabwe had a thriving manufacturing and industrial sector that supported the strong agriculture and mining sectors of the economy. Zimbabwe boasted a well maintained system of paved roads, railway links, electricity grid and varied industries that manufactured a wide range of mining and agriculture inputs.”
Mr Goddard said early this month, he had a rare opportunity to talk to President Mugabe and discussed economic challenges affecting Matabeleland region.
“On the 6th of May I had singular honour to enjoy a two-and-a-half hour discussion with his Excellency the President of Zimbabwe Cde Robert Mugabe. We spoke all about the economy and how to lift the economy. He (during the discussion) was not so much interested in the rest of Zimbabwe but in Matabeleland,” said Mr Goddard.
This year’s awards were held under the theme: “International Synergies, Local Competitiveness & Global Relevance — The Key To Addressing Zimbabwe’s Liquidity And Industrial Revolution,” saw Inclusive Financial Services founder Mr Gerald Zhou scooping the 2014 Businessman of The Year award after beating Mr Welcome Mabuza from Buy n Build.
The coveted Businesswoman of The Year award was won by Mrs Eunice Dlamini from M and M Joyous Events.
Rural Businessman of the Year was won by Mr Mandla Manyathela of Tsholotsho. Three banks namely MBCA, NMB and CABS were all awarded the Financial Institution of the Year for supporting companies in Matabeleland.
The PPC Zimbabwe managing director Mr Njombo Lekula won the Manager of The Year while the Transformational Leader award was won by Mr Busisa Moyo from United Refineries.
Other winners that were recognised at the event were:
ICT Company of the Year: Liquid Telecom
Insurer of the Year: Old Mutual
Most Visible Organisation: Econet
Public Outstanding Public Enterprise of The Year: TelOne
Exporter of The Year Tourism: Laserline Trophy
Exporter of The Year Mining: Hwange Colliery Company
Exporter of The Year Agriculture: Bulawayo Abattoirs
Exporter Of The Year Manufacturing: Portlands Zimbabwe.
Retailer of The Year: Choppies
Constructor of The Year: Hawkflight Construction
Transport Service Provider of the Year: DHL
Best Corporate Social: SNV
Long Serving Member: Mr R Chitrin
Most Supportive Organisation on Chamber Initiatives: Main Protective Clothes.
Tertiary Institution Of The Year: Nust
Best HIV/Aids Awareness Programmes At The Workplace: National Foods
