Debra Matabvu, Senior Zimpapers Reporter
AT least 18 member States of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa have confirmed participation in the bloc’s 25th Heads of State and Government Summit in Harare today, where Zimbabwe is expected to assume the chairmanship.
Outgoing COMESA chairperson and Kenyan President William Ruto and Burundi Prime Minister Nestor Ntahontuye arrived in the country yesterday, with more Heads of State and Government expected ahead of the high-level meeting.
About nine leaders, from Prime Minister level upwards, are expected to attend the summit, which seeks to strengthen regional trade, investment, industrialisation and economic integration.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira said preparations for the summit were complete, with Zimbabwe ready to take over leadership of the regional bloc.
“Everything is now in place for the summit; 18 member States have confirmed participation,” he said.
“Everything is in order; everything is going well.”
Prof Murwira said Zimbabwe would draw on its experiences to advance COMESA’s regional cooperation agenda.
“We believe that as Zimbabwe takes over, it has a lot of experience that is born out of the troubles that we have been through.
“President Mnangagwa is looking forward to receiving his brothers and sisters from the African continent. We are ready.
“Today (yesterday) we had the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Ministers and the Business Forum yesterday (Wednesday) as well as the Green Industry Connect on Monday. So now we are left with the ultimate meeting, which is the summit. We are looking forward to it,” said Prof Murwira.
The summit is being held under the theme, “One Market, One Future: Advancing Inclusive Industrialisation, Investment and Regional Integration in COMESA.”
It is expected to focus on expanding regional trade, promoting industrialisation, attracting investment and deepening economic integration among member states.
Zimbabwe’s assumption of the chairmanship comes as the bloc seeks to harness its collective economic potential by strengthening cooperation and creating opportunities for businesses across the region.
