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Herald Reporter
The foreign policy thrust that ‘Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none’ has improved the way potential investors perceive the country, Business for Economic Development (B4ED) chairman Mr Tawanda Chenana has said.
Mr Chenana, himself a successful businessman, was part of a delegation led by Permanent Secretary for Industry and Commerce Dr Thomas Utete Wushe, which travelled to Türkiye for the inaugural session of the Türkiye-Zimbabwe Business Council.
Mr Chenana told The Herald yesterday that engagements with representatives of different Turkish companies was made easy by the new thrust of economic diplomacy introduced by President Mnangagwa.
“As representatives of B4ED, we are committed to reinforcing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s message that ‘Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none’,” he said.
“This trip to Türkiye was not just productive but also pivotal in establishing and reinforcing international partnerships.
“Since assuming office, President Mnangagwa has been proactive in positioning Zimbabwe as an attractive destination for investment and business. The Second Republic has emphasized economic diplomacy, which has involved engaging with various global partners to foster economic growth.”
Mr Chenana said the economic diplomacy approach has resonated well with the international community, resulting in increased interest in collaborating with Zimbabwe.
“President Mnangagwa’s message of being a ‘friend to all and an enemy to none’ has significantly improved Zimbabwe’s global image; this was evident in Türkiye,” he said.
The scarf bearing the colours on the Zimbabwean flag popularised by the President, became a hit during the Türkiye-Zimbabwe Business Council as potential investors jostled to get it.
The Türkiye-Zimbabwe Business Council meeting marked a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Vice Chairman of the Türkiye-Africa Business Councils Mr Fatih Kazova, said it was important to promote trade and investment in the two countries.
Through continuous dialogue and shared objectives, he said, both countries could achieve mutual growth and prosperity.
The Türkiye-Zimbabwe Business Council aims to facilitate business interactions, identify investment opportunities and enhance trade relations. It serves as a platform for businesses from both countries to network, share ideas and collaborate on various projects.
The initiative dovetails with President Mnangagwa’s vision of economic growth through international cooperation.
DEIK has been instrumental in managing Türkiye’s foreign economic relations.
It plays a crucial role in boosting Türkiye’s exports and identifying global investment opportunities. Mr Chenana said for Zimbabwe, engaging with DEIK offers valuable insights into successful economic practices and opens up new avenues for trade and investment.
“Our interaction with DEIK officials provided us with a deeper understanding of their operations and strategies.
“We discussed potential areas of cooperation and explored how Zimbabwe can benefit from DEIK’s extensive network and expertise.
“This engagement is a significant step towards enhancing Zimbabwe’s economic landscape,” he said.
President Mnangagwa’s administration has implemented a number economic reforms aimed at attracting foreign investment and boosting economic growth.
The reforms include improving the ease of doing business, liberalising key sectors and offering incentives to investors.
The measures have investors stampeding to come to Zimbabwe to enquire about investment opportunities.
“The President’s message of openness and cooperation has been well-received globally.
“Countries and businesses are eager to explore opportunities in Zimbabwe, recognising the potential for growth and profitability.
“This positive response is evident from the numerous international engagements and partnerships as well as invites that B4ED is receiving to share notes with entities and individuals ready to invest in the country,” he said.
The trip to Türkiye was part of a broader strategy by B4ED to establish and strengthen global partnerships.
B4ED says it remains committed to exploring opportunities in different parts of the world, promoting Zimbabwe as a viable and attractive investment destination.
Online Reporter