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Nkosilathi Sibanda, [email protected]

GOVERNMENT has applauded diplomatic missions accredited to Zimbabwe for their role in promoting growth in trade and investment in response to the Second Republic’s engagement and re-engagement policy with the international community.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Deputy Minister, Dr David Musabayana, in his address at the third edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Diplomats Forum, hosted in partnership with his ministry on Thursday, said the Government’s economic-diplomacy stance was impacting positively the country’s economic growth and development.

As Zimbabwe aims to achieve an upper-middle-income economic status by 2030, Dr Musabayana said foreign missions were critical in accelerating economic transformation through enhanced trade and investments.

Working closely with foreign missions has come in handy for the country as it has facilitated higher trade gains in line with the National Development Strategy (NDS-1 targets.

“We cannot talk of our successful trade endeavours without acknowledging the critical role of foreign heads of missions accredited to our country,” said Dr Musabayana.

“These emissaries play a critical role in identifying tradable products and suppliers and linking them with local businesses. We cherish the warm relations.

“We applaud the continued cooperation with our national trade promotion agency, ZimTrade, and the facilitation for the agency to undertake trade missions to other countries, paving way for increased trade.”

Dr Musabayana heaped praise on foreign exhibitors who participated at the 63rd edition of the ZITF where they showcased diverse products and services.

“Your participation is a demonstration of the level of confidence bestowed on Zimbabwe as a top trading partner,” he said.

“I encourage you to continue participating at this trade showcase and others hosted by different sectors of our economic such as the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, Mine Entra and the Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo, as we endeavour to introduce new products in the market each year to grow our industrial base while advancing the implementation of NDS-1.”

Representing diplomatic community, Mozambique Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pedro Joao de Azevedo Davane said the Second Republic has done well in strengthening relations and economic growth.

He said foreign missions in the country were elated at the success registered in the agriculture and mining sectors, which speak volumes on how dedicated Government is in reshaping the economy

“As heads of diplomatic missions in Zimbabwe we applaud this initiative, which is contributing to the realisation of the Second Republic’s pragmatic policies towards an upper-middle-class society,” said Amb Azevedo Davane.

“This forum is a curtain raiser in advancing His Excellency President Mnangagwa’s visionary and transformative mantra of Zimbabwe is open for business. This goes a long way in stimulating the engagement and re-engagement drive.”

The agenda “Zimbabwe is open for business,” he added, “is not only being said but also practised, as we are witnessing encouraging developments taking place in the economy such as the success in the agricultural sector that have led to self-suffiency.

This has enhanced Zimbabwe in the export of goods and services, boosting trade and business exchange with the world.”

The country’s engagement policy on international and regional trade also got a nod from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) secretary general, Mr Wamkele Mene who said the hosting of the ZITF and the Transform Africa Summit in Victoria Falls last week was a testimony of the country’s commitment to foster continental solidarity.

“Zimbabwe has been able to demonstrate its commitment to solidarity on the continent,” he said.

In his speech on collaborative innovation through reaffirmation re-engagement and engagement, Mr Mene said the AfCFTA presents African countries with an opportunity to widen their industrial base through presenting innovation and willingness to grow the continent’s economy.

“Through the operationalisation of the AfCTA, by removing trade barriers amongst African countries, we intend to ensure that not only do we succeed in the talks but foster innovation as well,” he said.

Mr Mene said the Governments and private sector should utilise opportunities presented by the AfCFTA, in particular, through investing in digital tools and technologies that boost continental trade.