Masvingo identifies Special Economic Zones

25 Sep, 2018 - 12:09 0 Views
Masvingo identifies Special Economic Zones

eBusiness Weekly

Runesu Gwidi

MASVINGO – The provincial leadership here has designated several Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that will be the nerve centres of economic development and investment hubs as Masvingo readies for the full roll out of devolution by President Mnangagwa’s administration under the Second Republic.

The SEZs cover areas such as mining,industrial development, agriculture among others that are expected to the commanding heights of the new provincial economy as Masvingo moves to grow its Gross Domestic Product to prepare for the planned attainment of middle income status by 2030 in Zimbabwe.

Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs Ezra Chadzamira yesterday said the province wanted to unlock the province’s development potential in line with the Zimbabwe Special Economic Zones Act.

The Act mandates Government to identify untapped resources in the provinces and to attract local and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with a vision to transform the country into an upper middle income by 2030.

Minister Chadzamira emphasised the importance of SEZs as drivers of economic development in provinces after the advent of devolution.

“My major goal will be to utilise traditional and new areas of investment. I will endeavour to rigorously pursue the creation of well-coordinated domestic and foreign investment space so as to turn the province into an economic powerhouse,” said the Minister.

He said it was incumbent for all the citizens to put their hands on the deck to engender growth of the national economy.

In the industrial sector, Minister Chadzamira said focus will be on re-opening of SIMBI (Steelmakers plant), Cold Storage Company (CSC) and Mashava Mine.

“At the moment, Mashava Mine is undergoing de-watering and Government has availed $20 million through its partners for revival of operations.

“Government is also inviting investors in the mining sector. Chivi and Mwenezi have rich diamond reserves and we are looking for investors who will extract the mineral, cut and then polish,” said Minister Chadzamira.

Turning to agriculture, the Minister said the thrust of his office would be to ensure setting up of agro-processing and fisheries businesses at Tugwi-Mukosi Dam by both local and foreign investors.

“Furthermore it is my commitment to ensure the finalisation of the project to resettle and compensate Tugwi-Mukosi flood victims currently at Chingwizi. My office will engage relevant state organisations and partners to mobilise resources for the project.”

Minister Chadzamira pledged to closely work with agriculture research institutions notably Makoholi Research Station in Masvingo to come up with viable seed houses, abattoirs and wildlife management centres for the province.

“We will also vehemently pursue the long awaited dualisation of the Harare- Beitbridge highway.”

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