The government says no city will be left out of the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) initiative which aims to boost Zimbabwe’s economic growth.
The formulation of SEZs has moved a gear up with the government tapping into Chinese expertise to increase capacity in establishing the zones.
Speaking at a workshop for ministers and heads of ministries, the Minister of Policy Co-ordination and Promotion of Socio-Economic Ventures in the President’s Office, Cde Simon Khaya Moyo said the programme will benefit the whole country so the government is taking action to avoid any mistakes.
“No city will be left out as we go, that is why we are sending a lot of people for training and a lot coming in so that SEZs are really zoned. We in Zimbabwe are determined to set up the zones to ensure that we derive maximum benefits from their operation as a tool for economic development,” he said.
The Minister of Macro-Economic Planning and Investment Promotion, Dr Obert Mpofu stressed need for the government to choose the model which best suits the local environmental.
“Zimbabwe must choose an appropriate SEZ model, we must have clear objectives starting with what is achievable,” he said.
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Harare, Cde Miriam Chikukwa said attention should be paid to the legal framework supporting establishment of special economic zones.
“Of particular interest, I urge you participants to give special cognisance to the legal and regulatory framework as well as incentives supporting establishment of Special Economic Zones. It will certainly help us if we replicate the international best practices from China,” said Cde Chikukwa.
The workshop provided a platform for ministers and heads of ministries to hear presentations on China’s Special Economic Zones development strategies from the former Director General of the National Development and Reform Commission, Mr Li Haiyan.
Apart from SEZs, China has six other types of investment zones to promote commerce and trade and these are: export processing zones, bonded zones, border co-operation zones, free trade zones, science parks and national tourist zones.ZBC
