Online Reporter
Cletus Mushanawani in BEIRA, Mozambique
MINISTER of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza has called for the translation of the political goodwill between Zimbabwe and Mozambique into tangible economic partnerships that deliver benefits to the people of the two nations.
In his remarks at the official opening of the ZimTrade Outward Trade Mission to Beira in Sofala Province this morning, Minister Mugadza said as people of the two countries honour the strong political relations, there is need to turn focus towards the growing imperative of economic diplomacy.
“Mozambique and Zimbabwe possess vast complementary resources – from agriculture and energy to mining and logistics – that, if synergised, could unlock greater trade and industrial development for both our nations. Let me emphasise that increasing bilateral trade and investment is no longer an option; it is a necessity.
“We must work together to remove bottlenecks, harmonise trade policies, and promote greater private sector engagement. Initiatives such as the Beira Corridor development and enhanced border infrastructure should be prioritised to facilitate smoother movement of goods and services. Manicaland Province has vast investment opportunities which Sofala Province can be interested in.
“From mining, agriculture, tourism, hospitality, transport and logistics to name but a few, Sofala Province stands to benefit from an investor friendly environment that we offer. The business delegation that has accompanied us has a lot to learn from this end, and we hope they will find a market for their products and also consider setting up shop here. Our joint borders process a lot of goods on a daily basis, most of which destined for the international market through the Beira Ports. We are hopeful that more and more goods should be destined for our local markets in Manicaland and Sofala Provinces,” said Minister Mugadza.
He added: “This is why this engagement is important as we seek to grow our local Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and contribute to empowering our people into upper middle-income societies. It is essential that we promote joint ventures, innovation, and youth-driven entrepreneurship as pillars of our economic cooperation. In doing so, we, not only empower our communities, but also reinforce the long-term stability of our bilateral relationship.”
Minister Mugadza said the exchange of high-level visits, including ministerial delegations and participation in regional SADC engagements, is a clear demonstration of the two countries’ commitment to maintaining open channels of dialogue and coordination.
“Our President, His Excellency, Dr E.D. Mnangagwa has indeed led the call for international engagements and reengagements, emphasising that Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none. Our two governments have collaborated closely on matters of regional peace and security, migration and infrastructure development, reaffirming our mutual respect and trust. There continues to exist a commendable partnership between Mozambique and Zimbabwe,” said Minister Mugadza.
The official opening was also graced by Zimbabwe’s Consular General in Beira, Mr Malvern Bere, Provincial Governor for Sofala, Mr Lourenco Ferreira Buhla, Secretary for State in Sofala Province, Ms Cecilia Sanda Jeronimo Francisco Chamutota and her Manicaland counterpart, Mr Abiot Maronge.
The business delegation from Zimbabwe is also exhibiting their products at the trade mission.
