By Tatenda Mujeyi
The Ministry of ICT, Postal and Courier Service officially commissioned the ‘Open for Business’ stamps that are being distributed by Zimpost in Harare yesterday.
The stamp is assumed to be of ambassadorial significance as it should market the ‘Zimbabwean open for business’ mantra.
“While a stamp is widely regarded as a prepayment or proof of payment for postal services, in essence a stamp is more than that. A postage stamp is an ambassador of a country in foreign lands since it is a communication tool that illustrates the history and heritage of a country,” Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services Hon. Kazembe Kazembe said.
The stamp was also validated as an efficient tool for inscribing the history and heritage that could advertise the ‘open for business mantra’ globally.
“A Postage stamp is an ambassador of a country in foreign lands since it is a communication tool that illustrates the history and heritage of a country. It can also be used as an advertising tool since it projects the country’s attributes to the international community,” the minister highlighted.
The stamp would contribute to the art industry as stamp collection is a globally renowned art that preserves history, as well as educate.
“There are several reasons why people collect stamps. Some collect so that they can exchange them with friends from foreign countries for educational purposes while others collect stamps so that they can leave a heritage to future generations who can obtain an economic value from the sale of such stamps.”
The commemorative stamps are established with the intention to market Zimbabwe on the global platform and encourage economic development.
To President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Minister Kazembe said: “The commemorative stamps with the theme ‘Zimbabwe Open for Business’ were issued to complement your call, your Excellency, under the new dispensation for the encouragement and promotion, among other things, of economic development through engagement with all partners, institutions and countries of the world.”
Prior to the official announcement, the stamps had been officially issued for sale on the 18th of July this month.
The stamps will be for sale for 40cents for domestic use, 75 cents for Africa, 85 Cents for Europe and $1.00 for the rest of the world.
Speaking at the commemoration, President Mnangagwa emphasised how he felt humbled by the gesture and urged Zimbabweans to work towards marketing Brand Zimbabwe.