The Sunday News
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
THE Government has said it will continue to engage productively with the business community to ensure that the macro-economic situation is premised on stability in prices and the exchange rate to enhance sustained economic growth.
Raj Modi
Speaking at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Matabeleland Region Business Awards and Dinner Ceremony on Friday evening in Bulawayo, Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Raj Modi said as a ministry they were always open to dialogue and ready to attend to the private sector needs.
“Industry and Commerce concerns are incorporated into Government’s decision-making processes and as a ministry we are always open to dialogue and ready to attend to your needs.
We are continuously engaging the private sector, ZNCC in particular, in enhancing competitiveness and together, we can achieve what we want.
In this instance, there is no them and us, the Government, the private sector and civic society organisations have to work in unison for the greater good of our economy,” said Deputy Minister Modi.
President Mnangagwa
He said Government will continue to support industry as reflected in the 2022 National Budget as President Mnangagwa’s administration recognises the importance of the private sector as the engine for economic growth and development.
The Deputy Minister said the industrialisation policy running from 2019 to 2023 was a clear plan to foster a private sector-led industrialisation and economic growth agenda in line with economic policies, National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and Vision 2030.
Deputy Minister Modi said the ZITF Business Luncheon and ZNCC annual congress set for 29 June to 1 July, as well as other business forums presented good opportunities for all stakeholders to interact, reflect and deliberate on key issues affecting the ease of doing business, trade promotion and investment.
He said the business community should make use of such opportunities to widen their network, create new relationships and establish wider objectives in fulfilling their business aspirations.
“The digital economy we are now living in requires innovative entrepreneurs, like you, to come up with innovative ideas for ease of doing business. Indeed, this goes down well with the theme for this year’s ZNCC Matabeleland Region Business Awards and Dinner ceremony.
Having said this, I do strongly support the theme: ‘Bolstering Resilience and Innovativeness for Sustainable Growth’, and fully understand the goal of the initiative.
Furthermore, we must strengthen resilience through innovation and stakeholder engagement to discuss strategies to ensure sustainable growth in the business community and economy as whole,” said Deputy Minister Modi.
Mr Mackenzie Dongo
ZNCC Matabeleland Chapter chairman Mr Mackenzie Dongo said the awards celebrated the achievements of organisations in both the private and public sectors which have attained exceptional levels of business excellence during these challenging times with the Covid-19 pandemic and global economic uncertainty.
He said strong company fundamentals were critical for success in business.
“It is the DNA upon which companies grow.
I am heartened by the experiences of these companies, which validates their endurance and resilience particularly relevant and supportive for local enterprises in the current economic environment.”
He said the businesses achievements were a clear demonstration of the importance of developing strong fundamentals for future growth, regardless of revenue size or industry sector.
The best overall award was given to Mr Bulisani Tshuma the owner of Member Investments a logistics service provider.
He also scooped the Businessman of the Year award.
The National University of Science and Technology (Nust) Photo credit : bulawayo24.com
The National University of Science and Technology (Nust) scooped two awards at the event as the Tertiary Institution of the Year and first runner-up of the Innovation award.
Holiday Inn Bulawayo general manager Mrs Amanda Matema scooped the manager of the year award up against NRZ general manager Ms Respina Zinyanduko who was the first runner-up while the second runner-up was ZITF chief executive officer Dr Nicholas Ndebele.
