Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa recently in BULAWAYO
MASHONALAND East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Advocate Itayi Ndudzo has called for deeper economic relations between Zimbabwe and Mozambique, saying stronger ties are critical to the development of both nations.
Adv Ndudzo made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Zimpapers on the sidelines of his tour of the Mozambique Pavilion during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, which ended on Saturday.
“As you know, we have a very strong historical, present and future relationship with the Republic of Mozambique,” Adv Ndudzo said.
“For Mashonaland East Province, we share a very big boundary with Tete Province. We are the same people, only separated by an artificial border.
“We have the same cultures, tastes and values, but we are also learning that at this stage in our relationship, it is very important to deepen economic ties.”
Adv Ndudzo said there was need to increase trade between African countries and to work on the free movement of people.
“We want to be able to identify common markets, to be able to leverage on each other’s competitive strengths and advantages, to make sure we work together for the betterment of our people,” he said.
Adv Ndudzo said that by working together, Mozambique and Zimbabwe can defeat colonialism, adding that the focus should now be on the economic empowerment of the people.
“Now we must make sure that our people are economically empowered and assisted. Just like Mozambique was a crucial partner in our liberation, it will remain a pivotal cornerstone in terms of our economic growth and prosperity, especially so when we journey towards an inclusive, empowered, upper middle-income economy by 2030,” he said.
Mozambique’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Carvalho Muaria, said while the two nations had attained political independence, economic freedom remained a shared task.
“We are politically independent, but economically we are not independent. We should work together and build strong economic ties.
“As Advocate Ndudzo has said, we should work together. Zimbabwe and Mozambique are one.”
Recently, Adv Ndudzo hosted a high-powered delegation from Tete Province led by Secretary of State Cristina de Jesus Xavier Mafumo, underscoring Zimbabwe’s commitment to regional cooperation.
The delegation toured the Richbasin Company in Mutoko, which focuses on cutting and polishing granite stones.
On April 18, the delegation joined Adv Ndudzo at the Mashonaland East provincial Independence celebrations held at Chikondoma Stadium in Mutoko.
Zimbabwe and Mozambique’s relations date back to the liberation struggle, when Maputo supported Harare’s fight against colonialism, laying the foundation for enduring bilateral ties.at Chikondoma Stadium in Mutoko.Zimbabwe and Mozambique’s relations date back to the liberation struggle, when Maputo supported Harare’s fight against colonialism, laying the foundation for enduring bilateral ties.
