Harare — ZIMBABWE will next year host another summit for international investors to showcase investment in the country, especially in infrastructure development, Finance Minister Tendai Biti has said.

Dubbed "The Friends of Zimbabwe Summit" the conference is part of the inclusive Government's efforts to step up the country's re-engagement after the imposition of illegal sanctions by the West.

Zimbabwe successfully hosted the Mining Indaba in September to present opportunities in the mining sector.

"Next year we will also host a Friends of Zimbabwe Summit that will seek to attract partners, especially in infrastructure development," Minister Biti said at a recent Press conference to review his ministry's performance this year.

"It will also be part of the country's re-engagement with the international community."

The minister has of late been urging the international community, especially the West that imposed the illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe, to re-engage with the country and be part of the turnaround efforts.

Last week, he castigated the West while addressing the Brooks World Poverty Institute at Manchester University for "sulking and avoiding" Zimbabwe's Government adding that the country was a "sleeping giant".

Minister Biti said the dualisation of the road linking Kariba and Chirundu was a major priority in 2010.

He commended the passing of the Public Finance and Management Bill and the Audit Office Bill by both Houses of Parliament before they adjourned for the festive season.

"We hope the stabilisation we achieved this year would be improved in 2010 and the passing of the Public Finance Management Bill and the Audit Office Bill will go a long way in improving credibility of the management of public resources," he said.

He said debate on the Reserve Bank Bill would be concluded to ensure that the central bank is re-capitalised to play its role in the economy adequately.

Debate on the Bill has been adjourned to February next year to allow for ongoing consultations among the principals of the parties to the inclusive Government on the proposed legislation.

Zanu-PF Senator for Chimanimani, Monica Mutsvangwa, has led the Senate proposing 10 amendments to the Bill that was passed by the House of Assembly.

Zanu-PF legislators have generally distrusted the intentions of the Bill arguing that it was meant to settle differences between Minister Biti and RBZ Governor Dr Gideon Gono.