Vusumuzi Dube
Judith Phiri
Business Reporter
DEPUTY Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, David Musabayana has said as the country remains “Open for Business” it welcomes investment in all sectors of the economy, with emphasis on value addition and beneficiation of the local raw materials.
Speaking at the third edition of the Diplomats Forum on Thursday evening which was held on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), the Deputy Minister said there was a need for integration of the country into national, regional, and international industrial value chains.
“While traditionally the ZITF has focused on trade issues, let me also encourage business entities to take advantage of the presence of Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA) to explore vast opportunities available in various sectors of our economy, which include Mining, Agriculture, Infrastructure Development, Manufacturing and Tourism. Likewise, technology transfer and green energy investments are key to sustainable development of our economy and should form part of our national investment and industrial agenda as we adapt to the emerging global trends and the challenges that they may pose.”
The Forum was held under the theme: “Crafting a Global Landscape of Resilience and Innovation: Strategies for International Competitiveness.” Deputy Minister Musabayana said it dovetailed well with the Second Republic’s Vision of Zimbabwe to become a Prosperous and Empowered Upper Middle-Income Society by 2030.
“It is also being held at an opportune time as Zimbabwe continues to work towards Re-affirmation, Engagement and Re-engagement with the international community, underpinned by our thrust of ‘A Friend to All and Enemy to None’”.
He said Zimbabwe stood firm on the trajectory of achieving the National Vision 2030 of a Prosperous and Empowered Upper Middle-Income Society as pronounced by our President Mnangagwa.
The Deputy Minister said the achievement of Vision 2030 is underpinned by the need to strengthen relations with old friends, mending relations and making new friends.
“In the same light, the National Development Strategy (NDS 1) has a dedicated chapter that specifically speaks to the need to build our image and to continue with engagement and re-engagement.”
He took the opportunity to encourage the diplomats to continue participating at the Fair and those hosted by other sectors.
These include the Zimbabwe Agriculture Show, Mine Entra and the Sanganai /Hlanganani.
“We endeavour to introduce new products in the market each year as we grow our industrial base while advancing the implementation of the NDS 1.
It is my sincere hope that our economy will continue to benefit from the positive developments in your countries and on a mutual basis.”
ZITF Company chairman, Mr Busisa Moyo said the Forum served as a networking platform dedicated to the deepening of cooperation with both the diplomatic community accredited to Zimbabwe and to the Foreign Exhibitors to ensure mutually beneficial trade relations. He said the 63rd edition of ZITF has been a success in many regards.
Online Reporter