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Emirates have opened discussions that could lead to the signing of multi-billion-dollar deals. The deals are likely to be finalised in a fortnight after consummation of the framework under which they would be implemented.
Ruler of Ras Al Khaimar Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi is in Zimbabwe on a four-day State visit to explore business opportunities.
The discussions focused mainly on how all sectors of the economy could be developed to ensure food security between the two countries.
The Emirate pledged to assist Zimbabwe during the forthcoming United Nations World Tourism Organisation general assembly it will co-host with Zambia in August.
Vice President Joice Mujuru urged Ras Al Khaimar to exploit business opportunities presented by Zimbabwe.
“Our challenges should be seen as opportunities from your end. Your coming here is greatly valued as it opens new avenues of co-operation between our two economies,” she said.
The Vice President said Zimbabwe had potential to do better in all sectors of the economy, but the country was facing critical liquidity challenges.
“The missing link is agricultural financing. Once financing in its various forms is added to the model, then agriculture becomes a reality.
“So will be the availability of adequate food and nutrition security, not only for Zimbabweans, but our neighbours and the rest of the world including the UAE,” she said.
Sheikh Saud reiterated his Emirate’s commitment to work with Zimbabwe.
“We want to bring businesspeople to partner you here and that is how countries grow. You cannot grow on your own in today’s world,” he said.
Sheikh Saud said he noted the potential and commitment of Zimbabweans to economic development.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi said Sheikh Saud committed to providing vehicles for the assembly.
“They said give us what you want so that they can append their signatures,” he said.
Said Minister Mzembi: “We are riding on the experience they have in tourism.
“His Highness Sheikh Saud said the magic was to open up especially visa facilitation.”
In the mining sector, Zimbabwe and Ras Al Khaimar discussed possibilities to do exploration of minerals in the country.
Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu said they agreed to set up a technical team to work towards the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in the mining sector.
“Our discussions covered the entire mining spectrum, including exploration.
“We discussed the need to beneficiate our minerals and setting up of refineries. We are currently exporting our minerals as raw,” Minister Mpofu said.
Secretary for Energy and Power Development Mr Patson Mbiriri, who stood in for Minister Elton Mangoma, said they agreed in principle to develop a number of projects to increase electricity generation.
“We are looking at US$3 billion and it seemed that our figures are not far-fetched,” he said.
Mr Mbiriri said they were looking at generating enough electricity for Zimbabwe with a view to developing an irrigation system.
Sheikh Saud also met Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister Joseph Made, Lands and Rural Resettlement Minister Herbert Murerwa and Water Resources and Management Development Sam Sipepa Nkomo to explore ways of boosting the agriculture sector.
Minister Made said: “We agreed to immediately do feasibility studies on areas that improve irrigation and infrastructure development.
“The need obviously is to produce food crops particularly grain.”
Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa said they assured the Sheikh of the opportunities presented by Zimbabwe.
“We have found areas of co-operation and those areas include agriculture and mining among others,” he said.
Sheikh Saud also met Health and Child Welfare Minister Henry Madzorera and Industry and Commerce Minister Welshman Ncube to discuss possible areas of co-operation.
Minister Ncube said they presented a proposed budget of US$2, 7 billion for value addition projects.
Online Reporter