The business community engaged the government this Monday to review the operating environment and facilitate progressive reforms in the upcoming National Development Strategy Two (NDS2).

The review, which is a follow-up to agreements signed by government and business organisations, is in line with the aspirations of progressive reforms to consolidate gains in the business operating environment.

Speaking at the engagement, Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce president, Mr Tapiwa Karoro, said the meeting was a critical milestone in reaffirming public-private cooperation.

“As business, we are more than committed to see into it that the current gains bring hope for industry, remember these engagements are vital in shaping the future growth trajectory of the nation. What we have done today should be taken as a lunchpad in further accelerating reforms that have seen the Government further reaffirming commitment to ease the costs of Young Business while ensuring that the private sector economy agenda continues to be thr hall mark for future economic development in Zimbabwe.”

Echoing similar sentiments, CBZ Holdings Chairperson, Mr Luxon Zembe, emphasised the importance of a collaborative approach as the country transitions to the NDS2 phase.

“The NDS 2 agenda is upcoming, so we need to be ready for it. This engagement further provides an impetus on what we are doing as the private sector to complement the government’s drive to stabilise the economy. While we accept that the government is making all efforts to position Zimbabwe as a favourable destination for doing business, as the private sector we want to complement that, we need a win-win situation. Days of pinpointing each other are over, and we meet to discuss and chart the way forward. In fact, it is the unity of purpose mantra that will see Zimbabwe having an industry that is back to its growth trajectory.”

Chairperson of the CEO Africa Roundtable, Mr Oswell Binha, underscored the importance of strengthening engagement frameworks to drive inclusive growth.

“The need to further bolster growth becomes inevitable by looking at the key facets of development that are underpinned by the current state of engagements. There is a lot that needs to be looked at, but the key issue is on whether there is that element to reinforce growth and see to it that we are moving in one direction. There are still many challenges on the way, but they can be overcome and confidence restored in the short to long term. I know the private sector has its own fair share of challenges,  but with the government committing to the national goal of common purpose, the challenges can be overcome in a manner that will enable the economy to move on.”

The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu applauded the private sector for taking heed of government’s call for increased production.

“Statistics show growth in the manufacturing sector. Growing levels for the informal sector are still a challenge but work is in progress. We sought to intensify and formalise engagements with the private sector. In the construction industry, I know the duty-free structure of equipment is very important and it is a matter to be taken with the relevant ministry. We have made significant progress on the reserve sectors, and a statutory instrument will be made to that effect. Business sustainability is very important, and I have taken note of the points raised during this meeting.”

The two parties resolved to further scale up relations riding on the need to facilitate a conducive business operating environment.