Mugabe sees economic growth
18/04/2006 20:54  - (SA)  

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Mugabe backs mine grab plan Zim in 'dire need' of food Zimbabweans shun celebrations Zim govt to grab more land As Zim burns, mass strikes loom Zim forced to revise budget Zim's forex coffers run dry

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Harare - President Robert Mugabe on Tuesday forecast that Zimbabwe's economy, currently mired in its worst crisis ever, will grow by up to 2% this year.

In a speech to mark Independence Day, Mugabe said the agricultural sector would also grow by 9%.

Agricultural production has plummeted in Zimbabwe since the launch of a controversial programme of white land seizures six years ago.

"The economy is expected to grow by between one and two percent this year, underpinned by agriculture with a forecast growth rate of nine percent," the 82-year-old president said in comments shown live on state television.

Crowds gathered at the National Sports Stadium for the anniversary celebrations cheered and waved flags, but many Zimbabweans say privately they are struggling.

Inflation has reached a record 913.6 percent and food, fuel and drugs are in short supply.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says that last year Zimbabwe's economy shrank by 7.1%.

Sapa-dpa

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