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Bongani Ndlovu, Chronicle Reporter
FOREIGN embassies have pledged to support Zimbabwe’s economic recovery efforts through continued dialogue and collaboration.

Buttressing the Government’s economic diplomacy drive, the embassies whose representatives attended the inaugural Diplomats Forum, held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) on Thursday in Bulawayo, expressed commitment to working closely with Zimbabwe in transforming livelihoods.

The forum was held under the theme: ‘‘Rebuilding Stronger Trade Community for Zimbabwe’’ and drew attendance from 22 country representatives.

These were drawn from countries such as Russia, United States, Tanzania, Indonesia and the European Union (EU).

EU in Zimbabwe head of delegation, Mr Timo Olkkonen, who was represented by Mr Franck Porte, said co-operation between Zimbabwe under the Economic Partnerships Agreement (EPA) has great potential to assist the country to withstand Covid-19 and revitalising its economy.

“Access to markets is a major success to any business venture. Zimbabwean companies have access to huge European markets of half a billion consumers on duty and quota free terms,” he said.

“On the other hand, the EU under various interventions is providing support to Zimbabwe to improve the climate investments, strengthening competitiveness, boosting industrialisation and improving exports performance.”

The EPAs negotiated between the EU and regional blocs of African countries are meant to promote gradual integration of African economies into global markets, including by supporting African businesses to increase their participation in regional and global value chains.

As such, Mr Porte said the EU continues to engage with Zimbabwe to strengthen trade and business relations hence the country will take the lead in EPA negotiations in November.

“Zimbabwe is engaged along with Madagascar, Mauritius, Comoros and Seychelles in negotiation with the EU aimed at deepening the current EPA agreements to include in particular, services, intellectual property, technical barriers to trade and sustainable development and agriculture.

“Zimbabwe will take the lead in negotiations in the last three chapters quoted in November,” said Mr Porte.

“This new EPA will become the first full one in Africa. The aspirations of Zimbabwe together with its regional counterparts, in Sadc and Comesa regions to increase the pace of industrialisation through regional integration, including through the African Free Trade Area, something that the EU strongly supports, both morally and with resources.”

In his remarks Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Dr Fredrick Shava, said Zimbabwe was forging ahead with its economic transformation drive despite the illegal economic sanctions.

“There are 49 exhibitors from other countries, lands and economies. For those who are from Zimbabwe it means that we are trying the best we can to survive under the circumstances of sanctions,” he said.

“We are trying the best we can not to self-pity ourselves, but to pull up our socks and get along with our work. If we can do that perhaps, we will be less of a burden to the international community, and less of a cry baby to those who imposed sanctions on us.”

As part of the Second Republic’s re-engagement, the Government has committed to pay US$3,5 billion to thousands of white farmers whose farms were repossessed in 2000 in the successful land reform programme. Dr Shava believes that after this payment, countries will warm up to Zimbabwe.

“Because of the compensation fund, they may be considering softening up on us and say because you have rethought, due to the compensation fund you are going to reimburse the farmers who were repossessed of their land and we are going to participate with you,” he said.

“We believed that if we paid in full, the money that we and the farmers agreed on, certainly we would have recreated our friendship and we look forward to that occasion.”

The ZITF Company hosted the forum in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Sekai Nzenza, Judith Ncube (Bulawayo Affairs), former minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi and Bulawayo Mayor Councillor Solomon Mguni, industry leaders and state agency institutions were also in attendance. — @bonganinkuzi