adminMukudzei Chingwere recently in DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania
The Tanzanian business community has taken note of the awakening Zimbabwean economy and the numerous opportunities being created and some investors have begun making serious inquiries that are expected to yield multi-million dollar deals.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Lieutenant General Anselem Sanyatwe (Retired), revealed this in an interview on the sidelines of the political launch of the Global Alliance to end HIV/AIDS in children by 2030 held in Dar es Salaam last week.
Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Constantino Chiwenga led Zimbabwe’s delegation to the health conference and whilst there attended to some economic meetings on the sidelines of the main event.
Speaking on Zimbabwe mission’s work in Tanzania, Ambassador Sanyatwe said Tanzania was a new frontier for economic collaboration and the embassy had been hard at work cultivating all business-related interests.
Zimbabwe and Tanzania enjoy excellent bilateral relations dating back to the days of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
These relations, said Ambassador Sanyatwe, should now be upscaled to mutually beneficial economic corporation for the betterment of the two republics.
Zimbabwe has been on an economic diplomatic charm offensive led by President Mnangagwa himself and has already seen capital flowing back to Harare after years of isolation.
Ambassador Sanyatwe said there was serious interest from Tanzanian investors who wanted to invest in mining and agriculture.
“It is a fact that our relations are very cordial and our thrust for now is to push for greater economic co-operation,” he said.
“It is my duty to ensure that I do engage the relevant stakeholders in Tanzania, starting at government level cascading to private institutions.
“We have been so busy scouting for potential investors and we have attended quite a number of international trade fares and international expos.
“Our point man is currently organising a group of potential investors to participate in the forthcoming Zimbabwe International Trade Fair where we want them to exhibit, showcasing what they have as well as scouting for potential investment areas.
“During the engagements, it is our duty to ensure that we enlighten them, particularly in areas of interest in Zimbabwe.”
Areas of interest included mining, agriculture, tourism as well as value addition.
A number of investors have since visited Zimbabwe and met with relevant stakeholders.
“They have expressed willingness, especially in the setting up of a gold refinery as well as setting up a tobacco plant or factory, including other areas,” said Ambassador Sanyatwe.
“On our part, we have also realised that in Tanzania our Zimbabwean business people can benefit equally in the areas of agriculture, tourism and hoteliers.
“In the interest of pursuing our economic diplomacy, we then facilitated the participation of ZimTrade together with TanTrade and that showcasing went on very well. We are making follow-ups for the particular investors who expressed willingness to invest in Zimbabwe to continue to visit Zimbabwe.”
Ambassador Sanyatwe said the award he won that was awarded by the Tanzania Chamber of Commerce for his role in pursuing economic diplomacy, was because of his strong participation in economic enabling activities and initiating business to business interaction.
“Basically, it was because wherever there are such programmes, we have been attending all over through the regions,” he said.
“We have had positive engagements with the business community in Tanzania.”
Online Reporter