The Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) — a grouping of
politicians who contested the 2018 presidential elections — yesterday held its
maiden Economic Summit which drew together captains of industry, labour unions
and development partners.
In his opening remarks, President Mnangagwa once again
extended an invitation to parties that have not yet joined the national
dialogue to do so.
One such party is MDC-Alliance led by Mr Nelson Chamisa. The
President said no one had monopoly on
ideas.
“The cornerstone of the Second Republic is dialogue as a
means of resolving the challenges that may arise in our nation and the sharing
of knowledge among us as Zimbabweans,” he said.
“No one has the monopoly of ideas on how our country can
speedily modernise, industrialise, develop and grow. It is only through
dialogue and hard honest work that our collective efforts can be fruitful. As
you may be aware, POLAD is a platform which seeks to enhance national cohesion,
unity and political tolerance.
“In addition, the forum is committed to undertake remedial steps
to address identified gaps to enhance economic stability, growth and
sustainable development.
“In that spirit, this summit presents us with an
opportunity to put our minds together towards the realisation of our national
vision and aspirations. We have, as a Government, declared 2020 as the year of
productivity and trade; as such, let us work in unity of purpose to achieve our
development milestones and ultimately, Vision 2030.”
He said turning around the country’s economic fortunes was
not an overnight event, but a process that could take time.
“The economy is an intricate ecosystem that requires our
collective effort and hard work. It influences our day to day lives regardless of
our creeds, socio-economic status, political or religious persuasions, among
other things. I therefore, call upon my fellow countrymen and women to join
hands and help chart a better future for the collective good of our country.
“In doing so, let us be realists and acknowledge that, to
put our country back on its rails will not be an event, but a process. There
are no quick fixes. We must be bold and stay on course, always seeking
sustainable means to resolve our challenges. Let us act and speak with the
collective good in mind and never be blinded by individual or sectoral
benefits.
“In unity of purpose, let us provide proposals and
recommendations that stimulate investment, productivity, decent jobs and fight
poverty. Innovative ideas which will help Government to develop robust social
safety nets for the more vulnerable members of our communities are also
welcome.”
The President said his administration would be responsive
to the requirements of the market.
He urged Zimbabweans to explore ways of increasing
productivity and attract local and foreign investment.
“As we consolidate and accelerate our economic recovery,
let us be emboldened by the fact that Government is not on sabbatical leave.
Policies and programmes are in place on which we can build. I therefore urge
delegates, as you engage, not to gloss over the unique, specific realities,
which we find ourselves in as a country,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Most of these are unprecedented in other economies. It is
through a realistic understanding of our situation that our discourse would be
more useful.”
After the President’s address, there were panel discussions
chaired by various committee chairpersons.
First was the business panel where captains of industry
outlined the challenges they were facing.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) president Mr
Henry Ruzvidzo said currency and exchange rate stability and policy consistency
were key to economic development.
“Perhaps a national currency stabilisation plan which is
still and time-bound is necessary,” he said.
Mr Ruzvidzo said the Government was there to protect market
distortions and pointed out that uncertainty around business environments
discouraged investment.
Ms Rosemary Kariuki of the World Bank acknowledged that
2019 was a difficult year globally and Zimbabwe was no exception.
South African Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mbaleka Mbete and his
Chinese counterpart Guo Shaochun gave detailed accounts of their economic experiences
and how their governments managed to overcome the challenges they were facing.
There was another panel discussion on labour and consumers
where labour leaders explained the challenges facing workers due to relentless
increases in the cost of basic
commodities.
Ms Rosemary Siyachitema of the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe
(CCZ) said consumers were struggling to transact electronically due to system
challenges while other traders were refusing to embrace the use of plastic
money. Herald
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