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Business Writer

THE Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) has roped in institutions of higher learning on a survey to determine the number of companies operating in the Matabeleland region.

The outcome of the survey is expected to help the industry body in driving policy and entrepreneurship interventions as well impact on development goals in line with the country’s devolution focus.

“We resolved as the executive committee (exco) to undertake a survey for the region to determine how many companies are operational,” said CZI Mat’land Chamber president, Shepperd Chawira.

“The sub-committee, is chaired by vice president Ignacious Mavhunga and comprises vice president Joseph Gunda, ZITF, Nust, Lupane State University and Gwanda State University. The subcommittee has started its work.

“This is going to help the chamber and our members in various ways, especially with the introduction of devolution.”

Chawira said the challenging business environment requires a lot of policy entrepreneurship and innovation that would help business navigate through.

The Chamber recently held an economic review virtual meeting in which it discussed a number challenges facing the sector and milestones achieved so far. Industry executives commended positive macro-economic policy interventions by the Government. They, however, raised concern over inadequate water and power supplies. They also urged the Government to ban scrap metal exports for the benefit of local firms.

Noting the continued adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the recent rise in infections globally, the industry leaders agreed to maintain mitigation measures at the workplace to minimise impact and limit the possibility of a second wave total lockdown.

news24.com