Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Herald Reporter
ZIMBABWE is poised to deepen its economic partnerships with Bangladesh, Vietnam and Thailand, marking a step forward in ongoing efforts to strengthen international investment partnerships and diversify sources of foreign direct investment.
This came out yesterday when Vice President Kembo Mohadi met the country’s Special Presidential Investment Advisor to Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Thailand, Mr Elesh Patel at his Munhumutapa offices in Harare.
The two discussed a targeted investment strategy aimed at drawing a new wave of investors from Southeast Asia.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Patel said they focused on exploring potential investment collaboration between Zimbabwe and the three Asian nations he represents.
He said the investment scope will be broad, ranging from mainstream manufacturing and mining to tourism and high-tech sectors like electric vehicle production efforts which are expected to position Zimbabwe as a regional hub for innovation and trade.
“We just discussed very briefly the calibre of investors that we are going to bring into Zimbabwe. The scope will be wide enough from manufacturing, mining, tourism, to specialised manufacturing such as electric vehicles,” Mr Patel said.
He said such diplomatic and business exchanges would help foster stronger bilateral ties and open new pathways for industrial and technological exchange.
“Well, it is going to bring these countries closer, not only economically, but also between people to people,” Mr Patel said.
The engagements signal a strategic shift towards global integration, with Zimbabwe tapping into fast-growing Asian economies to accelerate its development agenda.
Zimbabwe’s relations with Bangladesh, Vietnam and Thailand are characterised by diplomatic presence, trade and economic ties, and a shared interest in fostering economic co-operation.
Over the past five years, exports from Zimbabwe to Bangladesh have increased to US$3,3 million.
The main products that Zimbabwe exported to Bangladesh were raw tobacco and used clothing.
