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Vice President Joice Mujuru talks to HUAWEI Technologies vice-president Mr Qing Zhao as Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Webster Shamu and Defence Minister Dr Sydney Sekeramayi look on in Harare yesterday

Peter Matambanadzo Senior Reporter
ICTs play a pivotal role in advancing economic growth and poverty reduction, Vice President Joice Mujuru has said.
She said this in Harare yesterday while opening the Zimbabwe Public Sector ICT forum, which is running under the theme “Leveraging ICTs for Economic Development”.
“ICTs have become the foundation of every sector in the economy.
“There are a number of benefits associated with them,” VP Mujuru said.

She said ICTs reduced transaction costs and improved productivity, efficiency, transparency and accuracy; as well as enhance agricultural activities and health services.

VP Mujuru said ICTs also created employment.
She said local companies must partner leading global ICT solutions providers such as China’s Huawei Technoligies to grow the sector in Zimbabwe.

“Strategic alliances such as the one with Huawei create a platform to learn and share experiences, as well as mobilise the much needed financial resources.

“Large and successful companies such as our partner here, Huawei Technologies, offer opportunity to other firms to increase value for their technologies through providing content applications and services,” she said.

She noted that the forum was taking place at a time when Government was implementing the Zim Asset economic blueprint.
The Vice President also said Government was finalising the national ICT policy, which seeks to address challenges in the sector and leverage it for economic development and transformation.

Huawei vice president Mr Qing Zhao said  the company was committed to assisting Zimbabwe to develop its ICT sector.
The ICT, Postal and Courier Services Ministry and Huawei Technologies organised the workshop to share information and ideas.

It is being attended by senior Government officials, heads of parastatals and state enterprises and various stakeholders in the ICT sector.
Further, it showcases practical experiences in the sector and provides locals with an opportunity to interact with ICT experts from China.