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Victoria Ruzvidzo Business Focus
Government and business will yield much for this economy if they work more transparently and in concert.
Having attended the last, three breakfast and dinner meetings hosted by The Herald Business in Harare and having read about discussion at the Chronicle breakfast meeting I have noted that there is more that united Government and business than that which separates the two.
Relations between the two are obviously not as frosty as they were a decade or so ago, thanks to the National Economic Consultative Forum and the Tripartite Negotiation Forum.

However, over the years great suspicion has remained between the two with the parties accusing each other of deliberately fomenting challenges in the economy.
The accusations in most instances though have not been without substance.

Indeed there are instances where either party could have been found guilty of compromising the effects of some policies whether deliberately or inadvertently.
But one thing for sure is that the two are fast realising that pulling a fast one on each other does not help.

For this economy to achieve much, the two, and other stakeholders of course, need to be singing from the same hymn book.
Anything short of that will prove disastrous if not lethal for an economy that is so desperate for positive energy.

Of course it would be folly for us to expect the two to agree on every policy and every strategy but we expect sacrifices and compromise by both parties as we head towards the land of plenty.

It has to be a give and take relationship in which the economy emerges the winner at the end of the day.
The world over economies are driven by unity of purpose among stakeholders, the critical obviously being government, business and labour.

There is so much that comes about when these stakeholders set their minds and hearts to resolve challenges afflicting the economy.
The results of such determination are always evident.

At the last three or so meetings hosted by The Herald Business, I have seen Government and business warm up to each other in an amazing way.
In fact one of the gurus in industry came up to me after the IMF breakfast meeting and remarked “what you guys are doing is exactly what this economy needs.

Such forums will surely produce great results for this economy. You must just keep at it and keeping creating more of these platforms.”
He said it with such passion I realised he meant every word.

At the breakfast meeting we have seen Government ministers and business representatives opening up to each other as they raise concerns and share information and strategies to confront the challenges affecting the economy.

We have seen the Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa briefing the business community on the Government’s trust with Chinese and Russian investors and on relations with the International Monetary Fund.

This has also given opportunity to the business community to ask questions, have certain issues clarified, while also having their voice heard on certain aspects.
This brings a spirit of togetherness and smart partnership that will leave no room for detractors to penetrate.

Such frankness, as displayed at the gatherings, is what the doctor ordered. Concessions between the two parties can be arrived at almost effortlessly, as either party begins to understand the feelings or concerns of the other on certain issues.

Such openness also brings to the forum hidden issues or agendas that could have affected the economy, giving room for an amicable solution.
If business feels it is being heard and given due attention and the same for Government, the results can only be progressive.

At a dinner with the Russian delegation last week, I remember the Minister of Foreign Affairs Simbarashe Mumbengegwi remarking that joint business commissions have largely involved Government officials but this time around, the involvement of business made a World of difference.

Even discussions between the Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov and business representatives were fruitful and we have already begun to see the results.

Bankers Association of Zimbabwe immediate past president Mr George Guvamatanga, who was the moderator on the night could not help but marvel at such an opportunity, where business was allowed to express itself in the presence of 10 cabinet ministers.

“This is good Victoria. This is what we need for our economy,” he said as he walked out after the event.
Even the body language as people dispersed after the meetings says it all. They are happy with the debates and discussions.

These are not just mere talk shows. A fortnight ago a business executive raised a concern that Government was leaving out business on its trade and investment missions.

Minister Chinamasa immediately responded saying business would come along on the next trip.
I will keep my fingers crossed that members of the Fourth Estate will also find space on the plane Minister Chinamasa sir.

From hearing submissions from the Confederation of Zimbabwe industries, the Chamber of Mines and the Banks Association of Zimbabwe, among other representatives the Russian Minister of Industry and Trade immediately stated that investors from his country would take greater interest and help revive industry.

This is what we need to take the economy forward. So much will come out of these discussions going forward.
Such issues as corruption, policy inconsistencies, too much bureaucracy and lethargy have been raised and practical solutions preferred.

Even the IMF head of mission to Zimbabwe Mr Domenico Fanezzi got a first hand feel on Tuesday of how Government and business have united to subdue any factors or forces bent on compromising or sabotaging efforts to revive the economy.

One particular point I have also noted during the deliberations is the fact that business has a total buy-in of the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (Zim-Asset).

They are up to speed with the document and have said they are eager to see the policy work for this economy.
With that kind of commitment and buy-in, results will be achieved. The onus is on the parties to maintain the momentum and ensure that nothing is left to chance but that all effort and focus remain on re-invigorating the economy.

With such effort, it is not difficult to believe that the economy will soon be firing from all cylinders.
Let’s continue to burn the midnight candle and ensure we achieve that which we must. Everyone needs to come into the fold.

In God I trust.

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