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First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe addresses delegates at the ZNCC annual congress in Victoria Falls yesterday. (Picture by Tawanda Mudimu)

Prosper Ndlovu in Victoria Falls
THE obstacles facing Zimbabwe’s economy require research, diligence and networking in order to navigate the challenges and overcome the impediments to reinvigorating the country’s economy, the First Lady, Dr Grace Mugabe, said last night.

Addressing the business community, academics and Cabinet ministers who attended a Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) 2016 awards dinner here, Dr Mugabe said while the country’s economy was going through trying times, it was encouraging that some businesses have withstood the tide and remained viable.

She said the theme for the three-day business indaba, “Economic transformation in a new normal economy: new challenges, new ideas”, was very appropriate as it dovetails with the country’s economic blueprint — Zim-Asset.

“The achievement of objectives of Zim-Asset requires unity of purpose, hard work and unyielding consistency in running and managing the different businesses presented here,” she said.

Dr Mugabe applauded the businesses that have remained resilient in a difficult economy and encouraged them to continue aspiring to greater heights.

She, however, said the country still had a lot of ground to cover in defining critical skills competences that would position Zimbabwe in the global economy.

“Our service sector still holds greater promise as a potential exporter with areas like information communication technology, medical and financial services providing fertile ground for further investment”, said the First Lady.

She called for increased investment in the agriculture sector so as to achieve food security given the global crisis on food shortages.

“The world is facing serious food shortages due to climate change. I wish to challenge you today to encourage more investment in agriculture and agro-processing and use this as one of the pillars of reclaiming the lifeline of our economy,’ she said.

The First Lady commended ZNCC for being the voice of business saying the organisation’s efforts were critical in moving Zimbabwe towards a viable economic destiny.

“I applaud the business sector for its keen sense of duty and the time it invests in keeping the wheels of this economy turning. Forward with new ideas that will strengthen the steps towards economic transformation,” said Dr Mugabe.

She paid special tribute to small to medium enterprises and women entrepreneurs saying this sector has contributed immensely to the economy.

“The services provided by this resilient sector to the economy are well appreciated as they contribute immensely to the overall economic growth of our country.

“Recognition of such entities and the individuals who run them should encourage others to emulate them.”