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Updates by Simiso Mlevu and Costa Mano

Social Media: Timothy Maponga

1313: Official proceedings are over and this brings to an end our live updates. Stay logged in for further discussions on the issues raised. The issue of roadblocks, for example, doesn’t it also impact on national production time when thousands on their way to work are held for more than any hour each along various roads that lead into major cities? What should be done? If these were to be suspended, would other sincere road users be safe in the face of unlicensed rascals who are taking advantage of automatic transmission vehicles easy to move when they are empty on road rules? Let’s discuss.

1247: In response to garnish orders by ZIMRA, Mr Jaure from OPC says garnishment is done as a last resort depending on the conduct of businesses.

1242: The other question is: Can Government do something about numerous roadblocks which make regional trade difficult? Another person is arguing that it is cheaper to import from China than South Africa because one does not coma across any roadblocks along the way.

1238: Some of the questions asked here are on why ZIMRA garnishes everything in companies accounts. The feeling is that this action is tantamount to cracking businesses resulting in closures.

 12:34: It’s now plenary session here at the business reforms review symposium.

1145: He says they are working on a legal framework for a credit registry and it has to be operational by June 30 2016. As a thematic committee, they have superintendent over the amendment of the Banking Act. The Banking Act was gazetted in May 2016.

1141: The second and final session of the business reforms review symposium resumes.  Leader of thematic team on Getting Credit, Mr Chiviri is making a presentation. The thematic committee is working on improving access to credit facilities.

1112: Mr Msipa has finished his address and the delegates break for tea.

1028: Mr Mushayi is done with his presentation.  Mr Msipa is now presenting on Enforcing Contracts and Resolving Insolvency. He says the OPC has finished working on the Insolvency Bill.

1017: Some of the milestones achieved include online registration of a company, fibre linkage to strategic agencies and also waiving the provisions for advertising contained in Section 14 of the Shop Licences Act.

1015: He takes delegates through reforms that have been achieved by government so far.

1013: He calls upon Mr Willy Mushayi to make a presentation on Starting a Business and Protecting Investors. Mr Mushayi says it now takes 13 days for an investment proposal to be approved. Previously, it took 90 days.

1008: Business Herald reporter Conrad Mwanawashe takes over as facilitator.

 1008: VP Mnangagwa has finished making his keynote address.

1007: He calls on all stakeholders, locally and abroad, including Zimbabweans in the diaspora to come and invest in Zimbabwe. We need to dialogue and where mistakes have been made, we should be able to rectify.

“As we work towards improving ease of doing business, let us not forget there are natural disasters like climate change which threaten our survival. We should be able to identify the anchors of our economy in order to capitalise on them. Agriculture and mining is one of them.”

1003: VP Mnangagwa says last year he launched Zimbabwe Competitiveness Report which clearly showed we need to work hard in order to achieve competitiveness.

1001: He thanks Zimpapers for sponsoring this programme adding that he is impressed with the attendance.

1000: “In the past, the anti-corruption commission was housed at the Ministry of Home Affairs for administrative purposes but it is now under OPC”

0959: “Government has come with national code for corporate governance in order to ensure that there is a broad legislative framework which will help in fighting corruption.”

He says the fight against corruption should be a national call.

0952: “This platform with allow inclusive and collaborative efforts and sharing of ideas on how to improve ease of doing business.”

He says President Mugabe, in his State of The Nation Address, noted that it was unacceptable for Zimbabwe to continue performing badly in the economic front

0951: He has called on Zimbabweans to formulate and implement strategies which can bring tangible results. VP Mnangagwa says Government has a duty to play a coordinating role hence this gathering.

0951: “The ranking should resonate with development on the ground. We need to increase the momentum of reforms in order to be a destination of first choice.”

0950: VP Mnangagwa says he is gratified by milestones achieved in a very short time in particular on legislation. In pursuing the ease of doing business reforms. Government is cognisant of the role played by entrepreneurs in both the public and private sectors.  He says it is critical to incorporate women and youth and those in the informal sector to effectively participate in the revival of the economy.

VP Mnangagwa says where as government wants to be ranked above 100 in the ease of doing business index, the goal is not just to chase ranking.

0947: He thanks the OPC for coordinating the Ease of doing business reforms and inviting him to the symposium. The event comes barely after the second review of ease of doing business reforms by the government.

0926: Industry and Trade Minister Hon Bimha takes to the podium and invites VP Mnangagwa to make his key note address.

0922: He says Zimpapers has been facilitating stakeholder engagement and there is need for a robust approach in that regard.

“We see a role for ourselves and stand ready to partner various government departments in rolling out a comprehensive communication campaign.”

0921: Mr Lupepe says he believes Zimpapers, through the Business Herald, is playing its part by creating platforms for interactions and deliberations.

0920: Zimpapers Board Chairperson Mr Delma Lupepe takes to the podium to give remarks on behalf of Zimpapers who are a media partner in this symposium.

“As Zimpapers we are happy to partner the OPC. As a media company, we bear the brunt of failing business because we depend on advertisers for revenue.”

0916: Deputy Chief Secretary thanks Business Herald for being a partner they have been. He says the OPC is very happy to partner Zimpapers in bringing to the fore and addressing issues that stifle  investment.

0913: Dr Ndhlukula says it is his hope that this symposium will add value to the ease of doing business in the country.

0912: Ambassador  Mubi has introduced Deputy Chief Secretary in the OPC Dr Ray Ndhlukula to give welcome remarks.

0910: She says 16 June is a very auspicious day because it is a day of the African Child.

“You might think the day is not significant to what we our doing here. It is. As we push for improved ease of doing business, we are trying to create a better life for our children.”

0908: Ambassador Mary Mubi, Public Affairs Director in the Office of the President and Cabinet is the facilitator for this session.

0904: Delegates are now singing the national anthem signaling the commencement of official proceedings.

0903: The briefing is over now. The VP and other Government officials are heading to the conference room.

0858: VP Mnangagwa has arrived for the symposium and is now in a briefing

0856: The review of the rapid results framework on the ongoing ease of doing business reforms are meant to address issues cited in the World Bank Ease of Doing Business report, blamed for stifling foreign investment.

0850: Vice President Hon Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is leading a cast of government officials, will give the key note address.

0840: Minister of Industry and Trade Hon Mike Bimha has arrived for the symposium.

0838: We are giving you live updates of the  Ease of Doing Business Review by the Office of the President and Cabinet in conjunction with Zimpapers.  The business reforms symposium is being held at a local hotel in Harare.