GPA principals blast sanctions
By Hebert Zharare recently in DAR-ES-SALAAM, Tanza
THE three leaders of the inclusive Government unanimously told the 20th World Economic Forum on Africa in Tanzania on Thursday that no significant economic growth will be realised in Zimbabwe if illegal Western sanctions are not immediately lifted.
In his address to the WEF on Africa,
Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, who was leading a team of Zimbabwean business executives,
said the West should only be guided by what Zimbabweans said.
He said Zimbabwe was safe for investment and business should not fear the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act and its accompanying regulations.
"It does not make sense that some people from the same Government are not able to travel to some countries at the same time because of sanctions. Such a stance is not an endorsement of what we are trying to do in Zimbabwe. You must get guidance from what we are saying, not from what you believe or think about us," PM Tsvangirai said.
President Mugabe — who was in Dar-es-Salaam to attend a summit of Southern African liberation parties — was not billed to address the forum. However, WEF founder and executive chairman Mr Klaus Schawab invited him to address the gathering.
The President’s arrival caused quite a stir as businesspeople and the media jostled to get a chance to speak to him.
Addressing the forum, President Mugabe said among all the countries that imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe, the Americans were the most honest because they made it clear that their embargoes went beyond personalities as they also blocked financial assistance.
He lambasted those who claimed the sanctions were targeted at Zanu-PF alone.
"Zimbabwean industries are driven by European technologies and the sanctions mean all these companies will not function," he said.
Britain internationalised its bilateral dispute with Zimbabwe over land, leading to the EU imposing the illegal embargo.
Responding to a question from a British journalist on the effects of the sanctions, President Mugabe said Air Force of Zimbabwe Hawk fighter jets, bought from Britain at the former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s recommendation, were grounded because of the sanctions.
In his address, Deputy PM Arthur Mutambara said: "Assume that the sanctions are targeted, but the impact is still felt on the whole country. The sanctions must go today in total. We do not need them."
PM Tsvangirai defended the indigenisation law saying it had been misconstrued as a tool to nationalise foreign-owned companies. He said there was a lot of "hot air that had been blowing about indigenisation".
"Economic empowerment of the country’s citizens does not mean nationalisation of companies.
"We have the framework which sets the thresholds sector by sector," he said.
PM Tsvangirai said some Western investors were afraid of non-existent threats.
He made a comparison with Kenya, saying progress in Zimbabwe was more impressive, yet the West was pumping millions of dollars into the East African country.
"There are greater risks in Kenya than in Zimbabwe. How do you explain that? Capital must be bold and not behave like cowards," he said.
DPM Mutambara concurred and invited investors to flock to Zimbabwe.
President Mugabe told the delegates that for over a century, the British ruled the country and siphoned its resources and it was time indigenous people had a shot at improving themselves.
"Investors should come with the spirit of sharing with our people. We are not chasing away some investors, we are only asking for a fair share of the investment.
"In our view, a fair share of 49 percent is good enough," he said.
President Mugabe chronicled Zimbabwe’s history and said the idea of working together was not new.
He explained how Patriotic Front parties worked together before 1980 and how former Rhodesians were incorporated at independence.
"It was not difficult to reach out when the idea of the inclusive Government was discussed.
"In fact, working with other people did not start yesterday; it is ingrained in our parties. After the recommendations of Sadc we started discussing and discovering each other.
"In the beginning, we did not trust each other at all, we thought we would kill each other but it’s all over now.
"Yes, we have political differences, but we have this alliance," he said.
PM Tsvangirai said his differences with President Mugabe were once "legendary".
"Once the Sadc facilitation work began, we realised that there is no winner in a losing team.
"We declared peace and Zimbabweans supported it. This inclusive Government is not fragile; when we differ, we differ respectfully," he said.
Responding to Africa Sun chief executive officer Mr Shingi Munyeza — who wanted clarification on when Zimbabwe would have elections — PM Tsvangirai said it was premature to stage a poll.
"We have deliberately avoided announcing the dates for elections because we do not want the country to be in election mode again.
"We do not want to pit the election mood against national healing mood. We have some processes such as the constitution-making that are yet to be completed.
"When time comes, a date will be set through consensus. The important thing is that the inclusive Government is working and policies and decisions are being made by consensus," he said.
Labels: DAR ES SALAAM, GLOBAL POLITICAL AGREEMENT, SANCTIONS, ZDERA
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Rupiah faces criticism for attacking NGOs in Dar-es-salaam
By Mwala Kalaluka
Sat 08 May 2010, 04:00 CAT
THE Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) yesterday described President Rupiah Banda’s statement that most African Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are formed for political causes, as dwarfed thinking.
And treasurer for the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) in Zambia, Fr Godfrey Bwalya has asked President Banda to apologise to Zambians and the rest of Africa over his statement that Europeans knew how retarded Africans are in terms of education.
Reacting to President Banda’s assertion during a debate at the just-ended World Economic Forum (WEF) in Dar-Es-salaam, Tanzania, that NGOs in Africa were all the time fighting governments under the guise of democracy, Habasonda said the statement was embarrassing to Zambia.
“It is very unfortunate that President Banda had to make this statement in a foreign country where many people attended and really made himself appear as though Zambian leaders do not understand the role of civil society and so we are very disappointed here in Zambia that our President could make such pronouncements,” Habasonda said.
“And now we understand why civil society organisations are being harassed because he thinks we all exist for a political cause when in fact, he knows what the NGOs do in this country.”
Habasonda said if President Banda were to ban NGOs operating in Zambia, he would note the difference.
“We find the remarks really off key and rather embarrassing to make in such a forum. The people who escorted President Banda should really have advised him before he made that statement because it just reflects on his dwarfed understanding of the whole concept,” Habasonda said.
“I think that the whole speech is an antithesis of what Zambia’s image pretends to be abroad.”
Habasonda said President Banda should not think that just because his government had NGOs it was ‘sponsoring’, the entire civil society was like that.
President Banda said during the debate that most NGOs in Africa were formed for political causes. He said being an old man, he was tolerant to this but that it was not all old leaders on the continent that were like him.
And Fr Mpundu said President Banda’s statement that Europeans knew how retarded Africans’ education was demeaning to Africans.
“The first impression to me was, was he misquoted or it is true? How can a leader try to position us at that level to be retarded people?” Fr Mpundu asked. “I think the President needs to apologise to the Zambian and African people.”
Fr Mpundu said there were many Zambians in the Diaspora who wondered how they would be perceived given President Banda’s statement.
Fr Mpundu also reminded President Banda to be careful so he does not make negative statements against NGOs.
President Banda was yesterday quoted in the Times of Zambia as having asked international and local NGOs in Africa to desist from unnecessarily criticising governments.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Dar-Es-Salaam, President Banda said it was retrogressive for Africa that numerous NGOs were all the times attacking serving heads of state.
The panel discussion was titled, “Africa: Towards One Voice?”
President Banda appeared on a panel discussion together with African Development Bank (ADB) president Donald Kaberuka, Tanzanian Prime Minister Ali Shein, South African Minister of Water and Energy Affairs Buyelwa Sonjica and United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary-General Asha Migiro.
He also told panelists that since he became President, leaders of NGOs had attacked him on many occasions but despite the attacks, he had maintained high levels of tolerance.
Labels: DAR ES SALAAM, NGOs, RUPIAH BANDA, SACCORD
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'Trade among yourselves' : African countries advised to create economic buffers
By AFP and Sapa
Thu 06 May 2010, 09:20 CAT
INTER-CONTINENTAL: Ajai Chowdhry, chairman of India's HCL Infosystems, Sasol CEO Pat Davies, Anna Tibaijuka, executive director of UN Habitat, Joergen Ole Haslestad, president of Yara International in Norway and Old Mutual CEO Kuseni Douglas Dlamini at the 20th World Economic Forum on Africa in Tanzania Picture: THOMAS MUKOYA/REUTERS
African countries must
restructure their economies and boost trade among themselves to ride out economic storms, a World Economic Forum economist said yesterday.
Jennifer Blanke, a senior economist with the forum - whose discussions on Africa opened in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, yesterday - said Africa could insure itself against the effects of another global meltdown by improving infrastructure, governance and financial institutions as well as adopting new technologies.
"These are the issues that will enhance Africa's growth potential and prepare African economies more to face any kind of disruption," Blanke said.
She said the limited effect of the slowdown on African economies was a short-term advantage.
"The lesson is to strengthen your economies so that when this happens again - and it will - you are better placed to ride out the storm."
Although Africa was spared much of the ravages of the global downturn, there was increased pressure on the continent from reduced trade, declining remittances and dwindling foreign investment.
"What really affected Africa was a decline in demand and a decline in prices that Africa was getting for its goods. If Africans are buying more of their own stuff then you have less of a concern over demand from other parts of the world," said Blanke.
Eleven African heads of state and government, including President Jacob Zuma, are attending the 20th World Economic Forum on Africa, to discuss strategies in the aftermath of the economic downturn.
Zuma is accompanied by Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan, Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor, Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Buyelwa Sonjica, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson, and Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel.
South African business leaders are also at the meeting.
Tanzanian president Jakaya Kikwete said: "Africa is a continent full of potential. Africa has been growing despite the economic instability that is facing the world today."
Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Rwandan President Paul Kagame are at the forum, along with Mozambique's president, Armando Emilio Guebuza, Gabon's Ali-Ben Bongo Ondimba, Zambia's Rupiah Banda and Zimbabwe's prime minister, Morgan Tsvangirai.
Zuma was to address a South African dinner hosted by the World Economic Forum last night.
He will also address the closing plenary session tomorrow on "The redesign of Africa's role in a new global economy", the Presidency said.
The World Economic Forum is a Swiss-based foundation that gathers world and industry leaders for talks on political and economic problems. - timeslive.co.za
Labels: DAR ES SALAAM, REGIONAL INTEGRATION, WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM
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Tanzania lifts ban on transfer of loose transit cargo
By Chiwoyu Sinyangwe
Mon 21 Dec. 2009, 04:00 CAT
TANZANIA has lifted the ban imposed on transportation of loose parcels by Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) from the Dar es Salaam Port into neighbouring countries, including Zambia.
Last August, Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) banned the transfer of loose transit cargo from Dar es Salaam Port/ Inland container depots (ICDs) and Julius Nyerere International Airport to TAZARA passengers Terminal and Ithala Goods shed for subsequent loading on rail wagons.
Dar es Salaam Port is Zambia’s most important access to the sea and the bulk of imports and exports come via the port.
According to Tanzanian authorities, the move was necessary to mitigate the risks of illegal diversion of transit goods into home use by few unscrupulous traders who were prevalent then.
The move, however, drew sharp outcry from Zambian cross-border traders who imported their cargo through the Dar es Salaam Port.
But according to the letter addressed to managing director of TAZARA and obtained by The Post, TRA disclosed that the ban had been lifted following the correction of shortfalls that led to its imposition.
TRA commissioner for customs and excise Walid Juma cautioned that all agreed terms and conditions needed to be abided with.
“Reference is hereby made to your letter with reference TZR/PCA/PAX/2009 and subsequent meeting between TRA – Customs and Excise Department and TAZARA held on 6th August 2009 at Customs Headquarters to discuss: Appeal to Resume Receiving and loading transit parcels at Dar es Salaam Port Station,” the letter read in part.
“Based on what was agreed in the meeting as recorded in the dully signed note of discussion and after your concerted efforts to correct to the satisfaction of the this department (TRA), all shortfalls that prompted the suspension, the commissioner for Customs and Excise has agreed to lift the ban that was imposed on 4th November 2008 and communicated to the business community...
“By copy of this letter you can now resume the conveyance of transit parcels under the terms and conditions agreed vide signed note of discussion of August 2009 meeting.”
Earlier this year, the Dar es Salaam Port logistics committee in Kapiri Mposhi complained to Zambia's envoy in Tanzania to intervene in the matter where new legislation in Tanzania had affected the conduct of business in Zambia.
In a letter dated August 18, 2009, and jointly signed by the committee’s chairman Chrispine Kasonde and secretary Darius Kapembwa, the committee stated that the Zambian communities had been facing difficulties in transporting transit goods from Dar es Salaam to Kapiri Mposhi due to the change in legislation on the Tanzanian side.
The committee stated that the current system required each and every importer transiting goods to hire a wagon or luggage van at a cost of US $3,100 and US $3,400.
“Those charges are beyond most importers who import petty consignments,” stated the committee.
Labels: DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA, TAZARA
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Crude feedstock docks at Dar-es-Salaam port
By Joan Chirwa
Tuesday May 13, 2008 [04:00]
NINETY thousand metric tonnes of crude feedstock last Friday docked at Dar-es-Salaam port after financing of the consignment by PTA Bank. And five banks have expressed interest to provide long-term financing for the procurement of crude oil for Zambia. In an interview, energy permanent secretary Peter Mumba said offloading of the 90,000 metric tonnes of crude feed stock, financed by PTA Bank, was expected to begin yesterday.
This is the second time that PTA Bank has financed the procurement of crude feedstock for the country, and government is currently working on measures to find a long-term financer for the commodity.
“The ship carrying 90,000 metric tonnes of crude oil destined for Zambia docked on Friday and it will start offloading on Monday (yesterday),” Mumba said. “This consignment of 90,000 metric tonnes of crude covers a period of one and half months. Looking at the current reserves, Zambia has enough fuel stocks to cover for a good period of time.”
Mumba further said another consignment of 90,000 metric tonnes of crude feedstock was expected in next month, and this time, government wants a long-term financer to support its importation.
“We will have some more stock in June and government wants a long-term financer who will be picked after the bidding process to finance the next consignment. The tender was opened on Friday and we have five bidders, among them PTA Bank, Finance Bank Zambia, ZANACO and Citibank,” said Mumba.
Labels: DAR ES SALAAM, FUEL, OIL
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