PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe’s determination to turn around the economy, empower and improve the livelihood of the majority was evident in his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).
His address in Parliament on Tuesday left no stone unturned.
The President not only sees a great and bright future, but has put in place mechanisms to achieve it.
His message was clear and reassuring.
Most importantly, was the word that there is a plan in place, a course that is being pursued to get the country out of the difficulties it is in.
Jobs shall be created and the economy shall grow sustainably.
And his calls for continued peace, a robust legislative and regulatory framework, parastatal reforms and adherence to corporate governance principles must not be ignored if we are to achieve sustainable economic growth.
Delivering a 10-point plan, President Mugabe identified key areas government must prioritise for the effective turn-around of the economy.
It was urgent, he said, to revitalise the agriculture and agro-processing industry and advance beneficiation to agricultural and mining resources.
He emphasised the need to focus on infrastructural development in energy, water, transport and Information Communication Technology subsectors.
He cited the need to unlocking the potential of small-to-medium enterprises and encouraging private sector investment.
Also critical was the restoration and building of confidence and stability in the financial services sector and promoting joint ventures and public private partnerships to boost the role and performance of state-owned companies.
Mordenising labour laws, pursuing an anti-corruption thrust and implementing special economic zones to provide the impetus for Foreign Direct Investment are all key factors in achieving economic growth.
Speaking to The Patriot, economic analyst, Elton Ziki said President Mugabe’s address emphasised the need to ensure ‘ease of doing business’ which is key to addressing the challenges the country is facing.
“President Mugabe emphasised on the immediate overhaul of the ‘ease of doing business’ by encouraging private initiative in business,” he said.
“The labour reform is also meant to aid business thrive while the engagement of the Western block will also help with new capital injection.”
Whereas in the past we highly depended on the West to support our economy, it is no longer the same as seen through the highly successful Look East Policy.
The danger of depending solely on the West was exhibited when the European Union led by Britain and its ally the United States imposed sanctions on the country.
Economic analysts contend that the country will achieve sustainable economic development as growth will be determined more by indigenes rather than foreigners.
According to economic analyst Hubert Muzikani, the country is dealing with the world on its terms.
“The empowerment programme and laws have ensured that our business activities will be determined by locals and not outsiders,” he said.
“Thus any form of business in the country will benefit the masses, our resources will not be shipped out of the country for a song
“Re-engagement with the West will be on our terms.”
Emphasis, he said, like the President highlighted must be placed in developing Small-to-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) into large corporations.
“President Mugabe’s address was what the nation needed,” Muzikani said.
“It was a reassurance that we remain firmly on the path of recovery.
“Little messages are popping up in the international media alluding to a brewing crisis, but President Mugabe made it clear that there is a plan in place that is steadily unfolding.”
The business community, he said, had to play its part through ensuring that it had or created effective systems that aid economic growth.
“For example, the open skies policy, the relaxation of the visa regimes, infrastructural development, peace and investment in the tourism sector has resulted in growth of the sector,” he said.
The country, he said, despite difficulties being experienced was marching forward.
“And the realisation of the Chinese mega deals will catapult the country to dizzy heights,” said Muzikani.