Zimbabwe industry minister Sekai Nzenza has announced the government is committed to improving the operating business environment to attract further investment via the implementation of economic reforms.

Nzenza said one of the principal reasons why Zimbabwe is not attracting the required investment to boost industry and revive the economy is unfriendly economic policies. Speaking at last week’s Marketers Association of Zimbabwe convention, the minister said the government was committed to easing the implementation of business reforms.

“You will note that government is currently implementing ease of doing business reforms, which seek to improve the business operating environment, thereby positively impacting the country’s global competitiveness,” Nzenza said.

The industry minister added the government was focused on restructuring and simplifying import and export regulations, rules and procedures, in line with Southern African Development Community, Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa and African Continental Free Trade Area policies.

“Marketers should partner with industry and exporters in marketing products both regionally and internationally,” she stated.

“As the ministry responsible for industry and commerce, we implore all companies to have e-commerce platforms for trading and ease of doing business.”

Zimbabwe ranks number 140 among 190 economies in terms of ease of doing business, as per the latest World Bank annual ratings. The Ease of Doing Business Index ranks countries against one another centred around how the regulatory environment is favourable to business operations and more robust protection of property rights.