Rio seeks partnership with CZI, ZNCC

the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce to enhance trade and investment co-operation between Brazil and Zimbabwe.
This was after the visiting Zimbabwean business delegation requested the Rio Chamber of Commerce to create linkages with Zimbabwe’s influential business organisations to enable members to
exchange information on investment opportunities.
Rio Chamber of Commerce president Mr Marco Polo said the Brazilian investor community did not have much information about Zimbabwean companies and partnering with CZI and ZNCC would help it acquire information on priority areas for potential co-operation.
“We are prepared to partner your business (representative) organisations and this will help us to understand more about companies operating in your country,” said Mr Polo during a business seminar held at the business lobby’s headquarters.
“In reality, we are willing to help Zimbabwe but we need to know more about its companies.”
He said his chamber, which represents about 10 000 companies, would come up with a proposed document on partnerships with CZI and ZNCC “so that we can immediately sign the agreement of co-operation”.
Mr Polo said the visit by Zimbabweans had given them an insight into business opportunities in Zimbabwe.
He said the Rio Chamber was open for partnerships. The State of Rio de Janeiro is the second largest economy in Brazil after Sao Paulo. Last year, its contribution to Brazil’s gross domestic product was US$109 billion and the State attracted foreign direct investment of up to US$50 million. It has a population of 16 million people.
“We are open to help and facilitate anything that could enhance the relationship and it must not only end with Brazil but the rest of the South American continent.
“With your visit we will improve the situation to develop both nations,” said Mr Polo.
The seminar was also attended by the president of the Federation Chamber of Commerce of South America, Mr Darc Costa, who is also the president of the Venezuela Chamber of Commerce.
Mr Polo invited Zimbabwean companies to participate in the forthcoming business seminar scheduled for later this year, as this could be an opportunity for local firms to start co-operation with South American firms.