Grace Mugabe attends ZNCC congress

THE 2016 edition of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) congress begins in Victoria Falls today with a number of dignitaries expected to lead discussions on revitalising the economy through attracting increased investment.

First Lady Grace Mugabe will join 300 other delegates set to attend the prime business event with Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa expected to deliver the keynote address this afternoon – setting the stage for discussions on different topics.

Other key speakers include Industry and Commerce Minister Mike Bimha, Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr John Mangudya, Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Ray Ndhlukula, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe chief executive officer Mr Douglas Mboweni, ZNCC top executives, representatives from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), local and foreign captains of industry and banks.

The three-day event runs under the theme: "Economic transformation in a new normal economy: New challenges, new ideas" and ends on Friday.

Dr Mangudya will clarify the issues around the proposed introduction of bond notes and its implications on the economy while Christine Beddies from the IMF will lead a discussion on the IMF Staff Monitored Programme and what next for Zimbabwe.

Dr Ndhlukula will deliver a presentation on the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe, challenges and milestones achieved so far with Mr Mboweni focusing on managing costs in a deflationary environment as well as strategies and options available.

Mr Garth Bell from COLBRAND South Africa will lead the slot on strategies towards reforming the energy sector with Ms Dumule Cele from the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry reflecting on investing in Zimbabwe focusing on the country risk perception and realities.

Professor Moyo will guide the delegates through a discussion on revitalising the human capital development to suit the new emerging economy.
Dr Anxious Masuka from the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society headlines the discussion on climate change as the new frontier in   the food security sector while ministers will assist participants in discussing corporate leadership reforms and the need for mindset change.

A presidential dinner and awards ceremony to be led by  Dr Mugabe is on tomorrow with a plenary discussion and resolutions marking the end of the event on Friday.

Organisers say the resolutions from the discussions will be presented as input into policy formulation for the improvement of the business environment to foster economic growth.