The Zimbabwean government has set up a US$40 million line of credit for struggling businesses in Bulawayo and the Matabeleland region, which has been in decline.
Industry Minister Welshman Ncube, head of a task force of the “Let Bulawayo Survive” campaign, said more funding will be authorized by the Cabinet in due course.
ZANU-PF Chairman Simon Khaya-Moyo told VOA reporter Sithandekile Mhlanga that the funding plan will encourage development and restore Bulawayo's industrial vigor.
Meanwhile, business leaders in Bulawayo on Friday met in conference with ambassadors and envoys from Tanzania, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, and Botswana to promote Bulawayo as a trade source and destination.
Matabeleland Regional Manager Bulisani Ncube of the National Chamber of Commerce said envoys invited local business people to explore opportunities in their countries.