Online Reporter
Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE yesterday hosted a high-level business roundtable discussion on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York aimed at deepening trade, investment and economic diplomacy.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, who was representing President Mnangagwa, delivered the keynote address, describing Zimbabwe as a land of stability, opportunity and shared prosperity.
He underscored the values guiding Zimbabwe’s economic and diplomatic engagements.
“We take ownership of our decisions. When Zimbabwe speaks, we speak what we do. We are a people who protect our country not through arms, but through dignity,” he said.
He emphasised the country’s “friend to all and enemy to none” doctrine, which is at the heart of its foreign policy drive.
The doctrine is also codified in Zimbabwe’s Constitution, which mandates peaceful coexistence and stability as a foundation for growth.
Zimbabwe’s 98 percent literacy rate, among the highest in the world, was highlighted as a cornerstone for driving partnerships in education, science, technology and innovation.
“We have a liberated and highly skilled workforce, ready to contribute to global growth while advancing Zimbabwe’s transformation,” Prof Murwira said.
He detailed the Governments efforts to create a conducive business environment, citing reforms under the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency and the liberalisation of foreign exchange regulations that guarantee investors full repatriation of capital and
profits.
Minister Murwira presented Zimbabwe as a strategic gateway into Africa, as it is positioned within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the African Continental Free Trade
Area (AfCFTA).
He invited investors to explore vast opportunities across key sectors such as mining, agriculture, renewable energy, tourism, infrastructure and digital economy.
At the event, international investors who already have a presence in Zimbabwe shared their experiences.
Mr Chris Opperman of C5 Capital, who spoke on behalf of International Finance Partners, said: “We are dealing with a resurgent Zimbabwe economy. The fundamentals are shifting and the scale of opportunity is really striking. Today, Zimbabwe stands on the t
hreshold of resurgence.”
However, another investor noted the ongoing challenges posed by sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, urging Congress to formally lift the coercive measures that continue to complicate financial transactions between Zimbabwe and the international community.
“Without sanctions relief, businesses face unnecessary costs in moving capital. Yet Zimbabwe has proven itself to be a growth market with stability and opportunity,” he said.
Prof Murwira urged the investors to come to Zimbabwe to see for themselves the unlimited opportunities that are available.
Some of the companies that participated at the roundtable include Pfizer, Tepharactor, Reelement, Trinity Bay Vocational Institute, JCWAS, Mitrelli, Health Galaxy Park, DP World, Cape Cod Community College, Clark University, APCO, Clearmobitel Inc and
Cyberalliance.
