Harare — GOVERNMENT is looking at the establishment of fibre optic infrastructure linking the Harare -Mutare and Harare-Beitbridge routes in efforts to improve local communication links in a world where Information and Communication Technology determines economic growth.

Information Communication Technology Minister Nelson Chamisa said businesses should harness fibre optic communication links, as it has become one of the fastest economic drivers according to researches being carried out in some 40 developing countries.

"An economic survey carried out in 40 developing countries has shown that every 10 percent increase in broadband (fibre optic) is equivalent to 1,3 percent economic growth.

"ICT is the only bridge that can enable Africa to realise economic growth as access to internet increases exports, while the market is defined by technology," said Minister Chamisa.

He added that even though the project was initiated by Government, private businesses where also invited to get involved and harness fibre optic communication links and infrastructure in their businesses.

"The establishment of optic fibre infrastructure linking the Harare -- Mutare and Harare -- Beitbridge routes is an immediate urgent project that has been initiated by Government. Government urges business players to terminate communication hindrances by using optic fibre communication links.

"In ICT speed thrills, it is all about dynamism and optic fibre provides that much needed speed and efficiency in communication," said Minister Chamisa.

The Government is making frantic efforts to make sure that the country is well connected to the global world as the country is expecting large numbers of tourists before and during the FIFA 2010 football showcase to be staged in South Africa.

Communication has proved to be one of tourists' major concerns when choosing destinations.

The country is also looking at playing host to some football teams that will participate at the 2010 World Cup. An area with communication barriers would definitely not be on the cards as a preferable destination.

Organisations in the country are in the process of harmonising ICT to boost business operations. Some banks are already working on introducing credit cards as most locals and tourists in particular prefer to move with plastic money compared to hard currency.