Maravi

(HERALD) ‘Local firms a threat to West’

‘Local firms a threat to West’
Herald Reporter

WESTERN countries with business interests in Zimbabwe feel threatened by the emergence of black-owned companies hence they have been targeted for illegal sanctions, the Deputy Minister of Youth Development and Employment Creation, Cde Saviour Kasukuwere, has said. Cde Kasukuwere’s Comoil (Pvt) Ltd is among the 17 local companies placed on the revised sanctions list by the US last month. Interviewed recently at the Chimoio Shrine, Mozambique, Cde Kasukuwere said he was not worried by the development.

"Western countries are threatened by the emergence of big black business in Zimbabwe. I do not think that the listing of Comoil should pay me more than the sacrifices made by the heroes lying here at the Chimoio Shrine. These are trials and tribulations that will make us infallible," he said.

"If Comoil is to go, let it go. We have to make sacrifices. I am under sanctions because of my role (in Zanu-PF), but there is no big deal about Comoil. It will continue operating. We are not under sanctions in Zimbabwe."

Cde Kasukuwere said the country must move forward despite the illegal sanctions imposed by the European Union and the US, saying it was important for Zimbabweans to sit down and deal with the current challenges facing the country.

Government has since questioned the motive behind the exclusion of American and British owned companies from the expanded sanctions list despite accusations that they were aiding the State through their continued operations in the country.

The Confederation of Zimbabwean Industries has also described as unfortunate the decision by the US to impose sanctions on local companies saying business had nothing to do with politics.

CZI said it has never supported sanctions of any nature and believes in dialogue, diplomacy and constructive engagement.

Labels: BEE, COMOIL, NEOCOLONIALISM, SANCTIONS, SAVIOUR KASUKUWERE

posted by MrK @ 7:42 PM