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Prosper Ndlovu Chronicle Reporter
The Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Social-Economic Transformation (Zim Asset) “represents a clear and transparent policy” for taking Zimbabwe forward, the United States ambassador to Zimbabwe said yesterday. Ambassador Bruce Wharton – whose country has imposed debilitating economic sanctions on Zimbabwe – said the United States was ready to support the economic blueprint.
He said creating good relations between Washington and Harare was crucial for both countries.
“I’ve not read the Zim Asset document myself but certainly believe it represents a clear and transparent policy for taking the country forward,” the ambassador said during a visit to Bulawayo.
“It’s certainly our desire as the United States that our programmes are aligned with the national strategy. As soon as I read the document, we will look at how our support is aligned to it.”
Wharton and the United States’ ambassador to Botswana, Michelle Gavin, were in Bulawayo to discuss a US-sponsored youth exchange programme in the two countries.
The United States imposed economic sanctions on Zimbabwe in 2001, and was joined by the European Union and other Western countries a year later.
The sanctions, which were used to try and effect regime change in the country, have been weighing down the country’s economy for 13 years.
But Wharton insists the US is keen to work with Zimbabwe in achieving meaningful development in areas such as education, health, youth development and employment creation, which are at the heart of Zim Asset.
The new economic blueprint is anchored on developing five strategic clusters – food security and nutrition; social services and poverty reduction; education; infrastructure development and mineral value addition and beneficiation.
Wharton, while speaking to reporters, dodged a question on sanctions and only said dialogue continues between the two countries.
“It’s in the interest of both countries to create good relations,” he said adding. “Engagements are on but you’re aware that we’re not going to agree on all things but we will continue to work together. Through partnership we can build strong economies.”
Wharton said the US has championed an exchange programme for the youths in Zimbabwe and Botswana seeking to bring them together in discussing ways of identifying economic opportunities.
Gavin said the youths should be given more support to unlock economic opportunities within their communities.
Wharton weighed in saying the youths needed more scholarship financing, jobs and access to information.
The two diplomats expressed concern over rampant poaching and said their government has set up a programme to assist developing countries in the conservation of natural resources such as wildlife.
Wharton also spoke about the increase in gender-based violence and urged men, who are often cited as perpetrators, to fight the abuse of women.
Gender-based violence is a human issue and not a women’s issue, he said, as he implored citizens to respond humanly when there is conflict instead of resorting to violence.
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