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Tinashe Makichi Business Reporter
THE Ministry of Macro-economic Planning and Investment Promotion has appointed four regional economists for a hands on approach to economic planning and investment promotion across the entire economy. The economists will each be stationed at one of the four provincial capitals; Bulawayo, Masvingo, Mutare and Bindura. Macro-Economic Planning and Investment Promotion Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr Desire Sibanda last week said the development has since been approved by the Public Service Commission.

“These regional economists will enhance development policy coordination at provincial and district level as well as improve the Ministry’s monitoring and evaluation of the ZimAsset blueprint.

“They shall participate in provincial short term, medium term and long term development planning to ensure that all development strategies are in line with the national economic blue print and that all annual provincial priorities dovetail with national annual priorities and sustainable development goals,” said Dr Sibanda.

He said the economists will provide technical backstopping on ZimAsset and ensure synchronization of provincial and district plans with the National Plan. Dr Sibanda said the economists will also provide provincial reports on Sustainable Development Goals, migration, population and development for purposes of coming up with National Reports and sector data that informs development of National priority Plans and Macro-Economic Framework.

The Regional Economists will also work closely with Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs through provision of policy advice on developmental issues.

They shall be the secretariat through which MEPIP shall promote investment into provinces through organizing investment conferences to ensure successful implementation of ZimAsset projects.

Dr Sibanda said investment promotion shall also be geared towards development of Special Economic Zones, small-medium enterprises as well as rural development. “The Regional Economists will monitor and evaluate progress on national flagship projects, annual priorities, as well as public sector investment projects. They will also monitor and evaluate progress on provincial investment flows as well as development of economic zones,” said Dr Sibanda.

“As you may be aware, the Zimbabwe Investment Authority only has offices in Harare and Bulawayo. As such, the gap left in other towns will be filled by Regional Economists who will be working in close link with ZIA in facilitating, monitoring and tracking investments including the promotion of joint ventures and foreign direct investment into their respective regions,” he said.

The Economists will work together with ZIA to provide information on investment inflows that will guide policy formulation on investment in the country. They will also monitor and evaluate progress on the development of special economic zones which is part of the country’s investment strategy.

Dr Sibanda said the economists will be expected to attend workshops held by line Ministries in their provinces so as to provide ZimAsset technical backstopping and also enabling them to provide specifically requested reports that inform Cabinet through MEPIP.

“It is my expectation that MEPIP operations shall be enhanced since provincial and grassroots developments can be followed closely by these officials on the ground. “Knitting the entire economy together through effective policy coordination shall rid the economy of leakages and policy inconsistencies leading to effective economic policy implementation that brings about growth and development,” he said.