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Sugar Chagonda in MILAN, Italy
The Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mike Bimha, has applauded the ongoing Milano Expo 2015 taking place in Italy, describing it as an indispensable platform that is connecting Zimbabwe with the European market.

Minister Bimha was speaking at a ceremony held at the expo to celebrate the Zimbabwe national day and the country’s participation at this year’s trade jamboree.

Minister Bimha said apart from showcasing food security through Zimbabwe’s traditional and cultural cuisines as well as vast trade and investment opportunities across key sectors, the expo is proving to be an integral platform for the country to re-enforce a positive image for the destination Zimbabwe in the European market and lure trade partners and investors.

“The country also has a diversified manufacturing industry base, the major industries being food processing, metal, leather products, wood and furniture, clothing and textiles, chemicals among others. In line with the country’s Industrial Development Policy, we’re calling for investments in these sectors in order to expand the country’s industrial base. The business community from Italy, Europe and all over the world is invited to explore various opportunities offered by Zimbabwe,” he said.

The expo attracts millions of people from across the globe with varied interests as they visit different country pavilions. In Zimbabwe’s current efforts and quest for sustainable development, this event has become indispensable as it facilitates economic, scientific, technological and cultural exchange. This also explains why, according to Minister Bimha, Zimbabwe is showcasing its products under the theme, Food security, sustainable development: A Healthy Zimbabwe. The country is indeed seized with these matters as they also relate to the Global Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) added the Minister.

Speaking at the same occasion the Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Italy, Mario Giro, who addressed the ceremony on behalf of his government, congratulated Zimbabwe for its successful participation at the expo and leveraging on it to lure investors to visit the destination.

“We’re proud to partner Zimbabwe in its quest for economic progression. The country’s potential for sustainable development given its vast natural resources and varied opportunities, match our prospects for deeper cooperation and development.”

At the Milano Expo the 145 participating countries are classified into six major clusters. These are Fruits and Legumes, Spices: The World of Spices, Cereals and Tubers, Bio-Mediterranean: Health, Beauty and Harmony, Islands, Sea and Foods, and Agriculture and Nutrition in Arid zones.

Zimbabwe is in the Cereals and Tubers cluster together with Bolivia, Congo, Haiti, Mozambique, Togo and Venezuela. This cluster traces the discovery and development of old and new crops that have brought nourishment and sustenance to people across the world.

Zimbabwe is exhibiting crops such as rice, wheat, sorghum, and maize.

The country’s participation at this global business fiesta, which is held every five years, is being co-ordinated by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Other key entities involved include ZimTrade, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Zimbabwe Investment Authority.