Published: 21 October 2013

THE Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries has come up with a nine point plan to help Government revive agri-business.

The manufacturing industry has set up a committee to lobby against illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe.

Addressing the Institute of Bankers of Zimbabwe 44 Summer Banking School at Troutbeck Inn in Nyanga Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries vice president Mr Henry Nemaire said the nine-point plan has already been submitted to Government.

Presenting a paper titled "Reinvigorating the Manufacturing Sector to Address High Unemployment Levels," Mr Nemaire said the plan to revive agri-business was adopted as part of CZI's resolutions at its congress in Bulawayo last week.

The plan calls for a paradigm shift on agri-business to produce food and create employment in view of declining production strategic crops.

Output wheat is almost zero from a peak of 310 000 metric tonnes in 2001 with deficit on maize estimated by Food and Agricultural Organisation at 1 million metric tonnes. Maize is a staple in Zimbabwe and wheat is as critical.

To that end CZI said closure is necessary on compensation for the former white farmers. The United Kingdom, US or European countries, in the spirit of pledges made at Lancaster House in 1979, would be engaged to put money into a fund and also be lobbied to remove sanctions.

The other option to bring finality to the issue of compensating white farmers would be Commercial Farmers Union proposal of bonds for $4 billion.
- herald

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