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Pamela Shumba, Senior Reporter
SOUTH Africa’s ambassador to Zimbabwe Mphakama Mbete has commended Zimbabwe’s commitment to turn around the economy.
Mbete told The Chronicle yesterday that the neighbouring country was happy to work closely with Zimbabwe to develop the economies of both countries.

“Zimbabwe is a country that is determined to be successful and is thirsty to develop going forward from where it is now. I’m happy that the country is trying to rebuild its economy.

“This brings opportunities for South Africa and Zimbabwe to work together towards mutual objectives because both of us are building economies as developing countries,” said Mbete in an interview at the South African stand at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.

He said South Africa was engaging various institutions in Bulawayo including the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) to discuss the way forward in reviving industries and the economy.

“I had a meeting the other day with the Mayor of Bulawayo Councillor Martin Moyo to discuss these issues. I’m sure things will work out in the near future. Of course it’s not easy to get investors to come but we’ll surely get there.

“Zimbabwe is a good investment destination because there’re many areas in which Zimbabwean authorities want to develop the economy as reflected in the Zim-Asset policy framework. So there’re a lot of opportunities, especially in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors,” said Mbete.

He said the duty of the South African government was to make sure that all business deals are mutually beneficial to both sides.

“We’re trying to educate our business community to understand the needs of the Zimbabwean economy and we hope that with continuous discussions between both business communities, strong partnerships will be established.

“We want to encourage stronger bilateral relations. The Presidents of Zimbabwe and South Africa might meet this year under the auspices of the bilateral national commission, which they signed last year and agreed to meet annually,” said Mbete.

He said a few weeks ago, there was an investment trade mission, led by South Africa’s department of trade and industry which visited three cities in Zimbabwe.

“We’re planning to do a follow up before the end of this year on the discussions,” said Mbete.

He said he was impressed with the response received by the South African companies exhibiting at the ZITF.

“The response is overwhelming. The companies exhibiting here are having positive engagements with the people of Zimbabwe and other countries exhibiting and they’re hoping that good business deals will come out of these engagements,” said the ambassador.