Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Tshili
ZIMBABWE has backed South Korea’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo as the country strengthens trade relations with the Asian nation, which has been encouraged to take advantage of opportunities that exist within diverse economic sectors.
The country enjoys cordial diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea dating back to early 1990s, which has been cemented by excellent technical, economic cooperation and bilateral ties.
Speaking in Harare during the visit of the Korean Special Envoy and Minister for Trade, Ahn Dukgeun, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Dr Fredrick Shava, said the Asian country has assisted the country in production and technical training.
He said Zimbabwe is pursuing trade and investment and Korea can take advantage of opportunities that exist in the agricultural, mining and rail sectors.
“Abundant opportunities for enhanced cooperation also exist in the tourism sector, and as such, future focus also needs to be driven towards this billion-dollar industry,” said Dr Shava. “I take note of the Republic of Korea’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Busan from 1 May – 31 October 2030 under the Theme: Transforming Our World, Navigating Toward a Better Future.
“The Republic of Korea’s confidence in seeking Zimbabwe as a strategic partner is applauded,” he said. Dr Shava said Zimbabwe believes that Korea has the capacity to host international events and its track record proves so.
“I wish to express confidence that, given the opportunity, the Republic of Korea would provide the requisite environment that encourages fruitful interactions and strategic reflection on the universal difficulties challenging the international community,” he said.
“In that regard, Zimbabwe’s support for the Republic of Korea’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo is under active consideration,” said Dr Shava.
The minister said it was his hope that South Korea will get a favourable outcome when the Bureau of International Standards election in November 2023 draws is made.
He commended ZimTrade and the Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) for striking a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties.
“This signifies the importance of promoting mutual cooperation and collaboration for the expansion of trade and investment between Zimbabwe and Korea,” said Dr Shava.
“I wish to express gratitude for the efforts by the two parties that have led to the readiness of the MoU for signature. Its scope seeks to facilitate collaboration and cooperation on matters of common interest and to establish working arrangements necessary for the implementation of the MoU,” he said.
Dr Shava said an action plan whose activities include exchange visits, capacity building, export development and promotion activities would be jointly implemented after the signature of the MoU.
“I will actively encourage ZimTrade to waste no time and do its part to hit the ground running. That way we can ensure timely implementation and output delivery for the benefit of our two organisations and their membership,” he said. “Let me once, again, congratulate ZimTrade and KOTRA on the signature of the MoU and wish them fruitful future engagements,” said Dr Shava.
Online Reporter