Sadc commits to deepening economic ties with the EU

Wallace Ruzvidzo, Herald Reporter

SADC is committed to deepening economic ties with the European Union towards mutually beneficial developments, Foreign Affairs and International Trade permanent secretary Ambassador Albert Chimbindi has said.

Speaking at a SADC-EU senior officials meeting in Harare yesterday ahead of today’s Ministerial Partnership Dialogue between the two blocs, Amb Chimbindi said SADC was keen on exploring new opportunities for growth.

Zimbabwe is the SADC Chair.

“We look forward to productive exchanges in the implementation of joint initiatives,” Amb Chimbindi said.

“We are eager to explore how we can drive new growth, especially in key sectors such as digital transition, climate, energy, transport, health and innovation.

“The SADC region is committed to deepening our economic ties with the EU, enhancing our trade relationships and creating an environment conducive to increased investment.”

Amb Chimbindi said SADC thinks through partnerships, the two blocs can unlock new opportunities for their respective citizens.

“In this regard, we welcome the ongoing implementation of the EU-SADC Economic Partnership Agreement and look forward to discussing ways to maximise benefits for all parties involved.

“Under the astute leadership of the SADC Chairperson, His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, SADC is currently prioritising innovation under the clean record, promoting innovation to unlock opportunities for sustainable economic growth and development towards an industrialised SADC.

“I, therefore, call on the EU to complement our efforts to come up with dynamic and ground-breaking approaches to unlocking value and growth to all sectors,” he said.

SADC, said Amb Chimbindi, also recognises the importance of addressing regional security challenges.

He said the region will continue to stand in solidarity and support of fellow member States confronted by security threats.

“Diplomatic and political initiatives are currently underway in our member States to ensure that sustainable peace will be realised.

“We appreciate the support from the EU and look forward to further cooperation in our quest for a peaceful and prosperous SADC. Regrettably, the conflict in some parts of the region has triggered a humanitarian crisis,” Amb Chimbindi said.

On her part, EU managing director for Africa Ms Rita Laranjinha said the partnership between the EU and African countries has become more important than ever.

“This week is a very important week for relations between the European Union and the Southern African region, not only because we are holding this ministerial dialogue, but also because, as you may know, yesterday (Thursday) we held a summit between the European Union and South Africa.

“2025 is a very important year in the context of our relations continent to continent, since we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the first summit held between the EU and Africa in Cairo in 2000.

“I think that this partnership between the European Union and Africa is more important than ever,” she said.