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Charity Ruzvidzo Business Reporter
THE public and private sectors should close ranks and support each other in finding solutions for industrial growth in order to achieve the desired economic turnaround, prominent Bulawayo-based engineering entrepreneur and farmer, Jim Ross Goddard said yesterday.Contributing during a Chronicle business breakfast meeting in Bulawayo yesterday, Goddard said it was encouraging that the government has made significant strides in reaching out to communities and consulting different interested parties regarding economic development.

He applauded the investment breakthrough made by President Robert Mugabe and his ministerial delegation during their visit to China two weeks ago and urged captains of industry to support the initiatives.

Goddard, who was responding to Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu’s outline on bulk infrastructure investment opportunities for Bulawayo and the country, said the deals had the potential to bring Bulawayo back to its feet.

“The deals with our China and Russian friends should be embraced in order to ensure we add value to what we’re already trying to do which is resuscitating our beloved city,” he said.

“We’re happy the government is making efforts to get this city and the nation back to its glory days. The business community should also work hand-in-hand with the government to make this goal a success.”

Goddard said the move to embrace private-public-partnerships was ideal as the economy required collective approaches to rebuild.

“The issue of funding is of great concern. There is no funding to revive or even start new companies. I’m glad however that the Minister of Industry and Commerce acknowledged the issue in his presentation,” he said.

“We must welcome PPPs. The private sector needs the support of the public sector to drive the economy. I’m glad that we’re talking.”

Goddard commended Chronicle for organising the event, which offered a platform of communication between the business community and the government.

“Communication is very fundamental as we’re all striving for the same goal of expansion and development. We’re happy Zimpapers has taken an initiative to bring both parties that play a crucial role in economic development to come together,” he said.

“Discussions on placing Bulawayo as a special economic zone have been ongoing but we’re aware that something is going to be done soon to ease business operations.”