Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporter
SECRETARY for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Albert Ranganai Chimbindi, has launched a high-level consultative platform bringing together Zimbabwe’s leading trade, investment and business promotion institutions in a renewed push to strengthen economic diplomacy and position the country as a competitive destination for trade, investment, industry and innovation.
The inaugural meeting, which marks the beginning of regular consultations, brought together Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Chief Executive Officer Dr Nicholas Ndebele, Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) Chief Executive Officer Mr Tafadzwa Chinamo, ZimTrade Chief Executive Officer Mr Allan Majuru, Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Chief Executive Officer Mr Christopher T. Mugaga, as well as senior managers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
The meeting focused on enhancing collaboration among the institutions to maximise Zimbabwe’s economic diplomacy efforts by leveraging the country’s diplomatic missions to attract investment, unlock new markets, promote exports and strengthen industrial development.
Opening the meeting, Ambassador Chimbindi said the consultations were intended to translate Zimbabwe’s Foreign Relations Doctrine into practical, measurable outcomes that advance the country’s economic transformation.
He said the Doctrine of Zimbabwe’s Foreign Relations and International Cooperation should remain the guiding framework for all partnerships, grounded in the national philosophy of Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo/Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo, which recognises that Zimbabwe’s development is the responsibility of its own citizens.
Ambassador Chimbindi stressed that the “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” policy must evolve beyond a slogan into a lived reality through coordinated action by all institutions responsible for promoting the country’s economic interests.
He said achieving this required aligning the entire economic value chain—from policy formulation and investment promotion to local production, export development and trade facilitation—to ensure Zimbabwe is well positioned to capture emerging global trade and investment opportunities.
The Secretary also underscored the importance of a whole-of-government and whole-of-economy approach, with diplomatic missions expected to play a more strategic role in advancing Zimbabwe’s commercial interests abroad by facilitating trade, attracting foreign direct investment and creating partnerships that support sustainable economic growth.
The regular consultative meetings are expected to strengthen coordination among the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and its key partners, creating a unified platform to advance Zimbabwe’s economic diplomacy agenda and enhance the country’s competitiveness on the global stage.
