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Writes Elvis Dumba in Birmingham, London
The government is continuing to lure international investors into the country, a development leading to economic growth through foreign investment and increased international trade opportunities as witnessed at a recently held Trade Expo in the UK.
The commitment towards international trade has been proven after President Mnangagwa’s administration dispatched Ministers and several senior government officials to the UK to participate in the UK-Zimbabwe Business Expo, a high-profile event aimed at attracting foreign investment and reviving trade relations between the two countries.
The expo, held at the Bethel Convention Centre in Birmingham, was organised to provide an opportunity for Zimbabwe to present its economic potential to international stakeholders, highlighting that the engagement and re-engagement with the UK is slowly producing positive results between the two countries.
The delegation includes Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution from several key provinces – Misheck Magadza (Manicaland), Christopher Magomo (Mashonaland Central), Marian Chombo (Mashonaland West), Richard Moyo (Matabeleland North), and Ezra Chadzamira (Masvingo).
Accompanying them were permanent secretaries such as Edgars Seenza (Midlands Province) and Mrs. L.L. Dhlamini-Maseko (Matabeleland South).
While the business expo focuses on fostering trade partnerships and investment, it also proved the two countries’ growing political relationships after relations that were strained after Zimbabwe embarked on a land reform program that economically empowered thousands of Zimbabweans.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Marian Chombo, highlighted various investment opportunities available in her province.
“The province is endowed with rich natural deposits and boasts the best climate conditions for agriculture and huge mineral deposits ready for investment,” she told the delegates.
Investors from the United Kingdom and other countries have shown interest in setting up businesses in the country in various sectors.
A Zimbabwean floriculturist based in Australia, Noah Chinyanga, said he is looking for an opportunity to set up a multi-million dollar export flower industry in Mashonaland West Province.
“We are seeing that the Zimbabwean economy is growing very well and I am hopeful I will also contribute to the country’s economic development through my flower export business. I am looking forward to setting up a flower farm that will contribute significantly in bringing the much-needed forex to the country and create employment,” he said.