Business Reporter
THE EU Head of Delegation to Zimbabwe, Jobst von Kirchmann, has committed to expedite a whopping US$1 billion trade investment flow to Zimbabwe based on deeper cooperation.
He made the remarks at the EU-Zimbabwe Business Forum which kicked off in Harare Wednesday.The high powered event has seen over 60 European Union companies are in Zimbabwe attending the indaba.
Kichmann who has to date worked flat out to strengthen ties between the Southern Africa nation and the Western bloc committed to up the ante tradewise.
“We would like to hit the US$1 billion mark in terms of trade and Investment with Zimbabwe, I think that’s based on the idea that we work together and try to unlock the potential, which is there. Because we have a trade agreement that allows Zimbabwean companies to export duty-free and tariff-free to the EU.
“This momentum is reflected in the impressive turnout of 64 companies from 12 EU member states, including France, Germany, Austria, Finland, Poland, the Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Portugal and the Czech Republic that have gathered here,” said the Ambassador.
The ongoing forum was organised by the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe, in partnership with the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), national trade promotion and development body ZimTrade, and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI).
Running under the theme “Unlocking Trade and Investment under the Global Gateway Initiative”, the forum opened yesterday in Harare and ends tomorrow, marking a milestone in efforts to strengthen trade and investment ties between the European Union and Zimbabwe.
The Indaba seeks to strengthen EU-Zimbabwe trade and investment ties, leveraging provisions of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the EU’s Global Gateway strategy to unlock new opportunities.
In particular, the EU’s Global Gateway strategy aims to enhance the role of the EU and the Zimbabwean private sector in the development of sustainable infrastructure and inclusive business growth.
The forum underlines the potential for a stronger and progressive partnership between Zimbabwe and the EU and mutual dedication to driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth through enhanced trade and investment cooperation.
Delivering a speech on behalf of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira, the permanent secretary in the ministry, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, said the event embodied the growing partnership between Zimbabwe and the EU.
He said this demonstrated the parties’ dedication to promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth through enhanced trade and investment ties.
“Our presence here today reflects Zimbabwe’s unwavering commitment to engaging with the EU in trade and general economic cooperation.
“As Zimbabwe we continue to embrace our role in regional and global development, as we reaffirm that Zimbabwe is Open for Business and stand ready to strengthen, deepen and broaden diplomatic cooperation, anchored on mutual respect, shared prosperity and a steadfast commitment to sustainable development, for a common future where no one and no place is left behind.
“The EU, with its vast experience, technological prowess, and commitment to sustainable development, stands as a key partner in Zimbabwe’s pursuit of national aspirations.
“We believe that European businesses can play a significant role in contributing to the realization of the NDS1 and Vision 2030 by bringing in much-needed investment, innovative technologies, and best practices,” said Minister Murwira.
He said the establishment of ZIDA was also evidence of the joint efforts to improve trade investment and relations with the international community.
“The establishment of ZIDA itself is a clear testimony of the efforts the Government is deploying just to make sure that we make it easier for those who want to invest, both those from Zimbabwe and from abroad, to actually invest,” said the minister.
