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Meeting halfway: JR Goddard, (on the right), pictured with United Refineries CEO Busisa Moyo, says private sector needs support of public sector

Charity Ruzvidzo, Business Reporter

THE public and private sectors should close ranks and support each other in finding solutions for industrial growth in order achieve the desired economic turnaround, prominent Bulawayo based engineering entrepreneur Jim Ross Goddard has said.

Contributing during a Chronicle business breakfast meeting in Bulawayo today, Goddard said it was encouraging that 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 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, 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 government to make this goal a success.”

Minister Obert Mpofu

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

“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 am 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 are all striving for the same goal of expansion and development. We are 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 are aware that something is going to be done soon as ease business operations.”