Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) has said it is concerned that re-engagement processes that exclude the citizenry may certainly not reflect the citizens’ interest.
Zimbabwe is currently in a re-engagement process with Western countries after years of isolation.
“While presenting the inauguration speech on the 26th August 2018, President Mnangagwa noted the need for re-engagement; indeed Zimbabwe cannot remain isolated from the global economy,” ZIMCODD says in a press release. “However, ZIMCODD is concerned that re-engagement processes that exclude the citizenry may certainly not reflect the citizens’ interest.”
“Those on the discussion table must not push their self-interests but rather all the discussions must involve the ordinary citizens who are immensely affected by any policy.”
ZIMCODD says that radical economic reforms targeted at attracting and facilitating foreign direct investment in line with the reality that “Zimbabwe is open for business” and improving the “ease and cost of doing business” should avoid excessive tax concessions and holidays which impact on the tax revenue base.
The “open for business” policy should protect the citizens’ rights, particularly labour rights according to the coalition.
“Rampant cases of Chinese investors abusing (physically, economically and sexually) local workers should be investigated and prosecuted,” ZIMCODD says. “Zimbabweans are not open for abuse.”
ZIMCODD also says the country’s business policy should guard against making Zimbabwe a home for money launders and promote responsible investment premised on social, economic and environmental accountability.
The new dispensation has witnessed Germany’s Minister of Foreign Affairs visiting Zimbabwe for the first time in 20 years.
“The new administration is presented with a chance to make social justice principles a central element in all policy frameworks in a humane and ecological context,” ZIMCODD says.