President Mnangagwa is today expected to officially open the 19th COMESA Business Forum and Exhibition at the Harare International Conference Centre.
The Forum is being held in conjunction with the COMESA Business Council, ZimTrade and the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC).
It is part of events leading up to the COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit set for this Thursday.
President Mnangagwa is expected to tour exhibitions from Zimbabwe, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia and other Member States.
The exhibitions will run until Thursday.
Stay tuned to this page for live updates.
President arrives
President Mnangagwa has entered the main arena signaling the commencement of the proceedings.
President Mnangagwa is accompanied by the two Vice Presidents, Dr Kembo Mohadi and Dr Constantino Chiwenga.
PRESIDENT ENTERS MAIN ARENA AS COMESA FORUM COMMENCES
President Mnangagwa has entered the main arena, signalling the commencement of proceedings.
He is accompanied by Vice Presidents Dr Kembo Mohadi and Dr Constantino Chiwenga.
Picture: Believe Nyakudjara
Also in attendance are various Ministers, including Foreign Affairs and International Trade Prof Amon Murwira.
Prioritise regional trade, COMESA Secretary General says
COMESA Member States should prioritise trading among themselves, an official has said.
Addressing delegates at the 19th COMESA Business Forum and Exhibition in Harare today, COMESA Secretary General Ms Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe said the future of trade in Africa lies within countries on the continent.
She urged Member States to replace goods imported from other countries with goods manufactured and grown in Africa.
“The biggest lesson is that your customer is your neighbour,” she said.
“Let us replace goods that are imported from other continents with goods that are grown by our neighbouring African countries.”
She also called upon businesses across the continent to form partnerships that grow the economies of Member States.
Ms Kapwepwe further called on Member States to continue implementing policies that improve regional trade among African countries.
