The Zimbabwean government has crafted a draft economic stabilization and recovery program aimed at reviving wrecked economy and unleash the country's vast business potential.
Industry and International Trade permanent secretary Christian Katsande presented the draft document to stakeholders at a National Economic Consultative Forum in Harare on Tuesday. He said the document, which include immediate and short to medium-term measures, would soon be presented to Cabinet for approval.
He said the government was, however, still open to input from stakeholders to ensure that the program succeeded in turning around the economy.
"We are happy that some of the immediate measures have already been implemented," he said, adding that the government, together with relevant stakeholders, would continue to work towards implementing all recommendations for the good of the country.
As per the power-sharing deal signed by the ruling Zanu-PF and the two opposition MDC formations in September, the office of the prime minister through the council of ministers would ensure the overall effective implementation of the policy as well as all other government programs.
A national economic council established by the government would assist in implementing the policy.
Some of the key economic measures contained in the document include reviving the tourism industry, energy sector and infrastructure development.
Under tourism, the draft paper recommends the need for local tour companies to forge strategic alliances with regional and international operators and aggressively market Zimbabwe as a premier tourist destination. For energy there is need for Zimbabwe to upgrade its electricity generation and transmission capacity.
"Raising overall capacity utilization will increase energy consumption, significantly necessitating emergency measures in support of maximizing the existing power generation capacity as well as on the strategies over new alternative sources of power," read part of the draft document.
The paper also recommends the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority to enter into partnerships with other regional utilities to improve energy supplies.
"In order to guarantee adequate supply throughout the country, oil companies must procure fuel requirements for the private sector while Noczim focuses on rebuilding strategic reserves and serving the public sector," added the document.
Some of the immediate tasks were to procure and distribute grain throughout the country to alleviate food shortages. Efforts to mobilize external resources to facilitate humanitarian assistance to complement government efforts to provide food to the people would also be undertaken.
Plans were also for the 2008/2009 summer cropping season to start early to ensure an improved harvest
"The government efforts to boost the country's state of preparedness for the cropping season include the mobilization of the necessary resources in support of tillage, provision of such inputs as fertilizer, seed, chemicals, machinery and material resources," said the document.
The National Economic Consultative Forum meeting attracted various stakeholders from the business, education and government circles.
Participates said the recently-signed political deal by the three major parties offered an opportunity for an internal cohesive approach to the implementation of national economic recovery measures necessary for unleashing the country's vast potential.
They urged the three parties to set up the new all-inclusive government as a matter of urgency as Zimbabwe was experiencing a number of challenges affecting national growth.
Differences over the allocation of ministerial posts, particularly Home Affairs, have stalled the formation of an all-inclusive government.
Source:Xinhua
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