Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira in Tehran, Iran
ZIMBABWE has instituted several reforms to become a top-tier, competitive investment destination by removing possible barriers that could hinder the ease of doing business and trade, Vice-President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has said.
The VP said this here while addressing the Third Edition of the Iran Africa Economic Conference meant to deepen co-operation between Tehran and African countries.
Earlier on, VP Chiwenga held talks with Iranian President Mosoud Pezeshkian.
In his address, VP Chiwenga said Iranian businesses were free to come to Zimbabwe given its conducive business environment.
“My country thrives under the policy, ‘Zimbabwe is Open for Business’. Let me assure you that several Ease of Doing Business reforms have been implemented to make Zimbabwe a top-tier, competitive investment destination. To this end, Zimbabwe has established a One Stop Investment Services Centre, under the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency. This agency ensures that your investment aspirations are fulfilled within 24 hours, effortlessly through a user-friendly online interface, while experiencing the convenience of managing your investments from anywhere, at any time,” said VP Chiwenga.
“I am, therefore, inviting you all to make Zimbabwe your investment destination of choice across key sectors such as Mining; Agriculture; Energy; Health; Tourism and Manufacturing, based on knowledge and technology exchange and collaboration.
He said there was need to remove barriers to trade.
“As we seek to strengthen this partnership, let us continue to explore innovative and resilient ways to address challenges hindering the smooth flow of trade and investment between Africa and Iran. In this regard, I encourage continuous engagement to resolve these barriers,” said VP Chiwenga.
He said Zimbabwe remains Open for Business with the rest of the world, and was inviting Iranian investors to come and explore the exciting Zimbabwean investment and tourism landscape.
The Vice-President said the conference was a testament to the growing recognition of the immense potential inherent in strengthening bonds.
“Although we are distinct in many ways, together we share common goals and values that form a solid foundation for collaboration. Both regions are characterised by vibrant young populations, rapidly growing economies, and an inherent resilience that has guided them through historical and contemporary challenges. As we look towards creating a better future, it is clear that enhancing the synergies between our nations can lead to unprecedented socio-economic growth,” he said.
VP Chiwenga noted that Africa’s growing economy gives impetus to the cultivation of relations between Iran and Africa.
“Africa’s emerging markets offer significant opportunities for Iranian businesses to expand their global reach, while also contributing to the development of African industries. The African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA) has unified the continent into a single market of 1,4 billion people, with a combined Gross Domestic Product of US$2,4 trillion. This initiative provides the motivation for Iranian investors to capitalise on the economies of scale to invest in Africa,” he said.
African countries, he added, were committed to expanding the existing cordial and mutually beneficial relations with Iran.
“These are reflected by ongoing diplomatic engagements and efforts to enhance economic cooperation. Significant milestones in our partnership have been achieved in sectors such as agriculture; health; and technological development, where a number of joint projects are being implemented.
“Anchored on the spirit of togetherness and collaboration, through knowledge transfer and technological advancement, it is important to actualise on this shared vision that would foster sustainable economic development for the benefit of the citizens of our countries,” said VP Chiwenga.
“This conference reinforces our thrust towards the strengthening of partnerships in the Global South into a force to be reckoned with, in the emergence of a multi-polar world focused on win-win symbiotic relations.
We see Iran as a partner to share experiences with as it offers opportunities to transform our growing economies, which are working on value-adding our natural resources.
“We call on Iran to avail its experience, knowledge and technology so that we can mutually benefit from the milestones you have already achieved across sectors.”
Commenting on the meeting he held with President Pezeshkian, VP Chiwenga said Zimbabwe will continue to forge relations with several countries globally in line with President Mnangagwa’s policy thrust that Zimbabwe was friend to all and enemy to none.
“We exchanged notes with His Excellency, President Pezeshkian, firstly my personal greetings and that from His Excellency, President Mnangagwa following his election as President, now that he has settled in office.
“The second aspect is to congratulate him for successfully hosting the third edition of the Iran Africa conference,” he said.
VP Chiwenga said there were many areas of possible cooperation such as agriculture, mining, pharmaceutical, tourism among others.
President Pezeshkian said Iran was prepared to share its achievements across various fields.
He highlighted the importance of solidarity and cooperation among nations to foster peace and security.
The conference which coincides with the 7th edition of the Iranian Expo is being attended by representatives from Government ministries, departments and agencies.
