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Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
AS Zimbabwe’s foreign policy continues to pay dividends, the country will this year remain focused on exploring comprehensive economic partnerships and agreements to further boost trade and investment as it moves towards the attainment of an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
In line with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of engagement and re-engagement and friend to all and enemy to none, the Second Republic has prioritised advancing Zimbabwe’s national interests, guided by a clear vision for the future.
Central to this thrust is Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy.
In an interview, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira said the country will continue to bolster its international partnerships with significant diplomatic engagements.
“Internationally, Zimbabwe has embraced economic diplomacy, a strategy designed to integrate the country into the global economy and attract international partnerships. Business, both national and international, is needed in pursuing our goal of becoming an upper middle-income economy, where the people are happy, are prosperous and have fulfilling lives,” he said.
“But this can only be achieved through economic development. As a result, economic diplomacy has become a defining feature of Zimbabwe’s foreign policy.”
He said in seeking international ties, Zimbabwe was not looking at a certain direction but everywhere around the globe to ensure they establish mutually beneficial economic partnership agreements.
The minister said under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, Zimbabwe’s foreign policy has evolved into a dynamic strategy that prioritises economic diplomacy.
Prof Murwira added: “If you also look at Zimbabwe’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) it has grown significantly under his leadership, rising from approximately US$16 billion at the start of the Second
Republic to over US$50 billion. Trade revenue is also positively contributing to the country’s GDP and we look forward to fostering more partnerships and enhancing trade relations.”
He said the growth was a testament to the effectiveness of policies such as Zimbabwe is Open for Business, and the engagement and re-engagement agenda, which have attracted investment, enhanced trade and fostered economic partnerships.
Looking ahead, the minister said the Second Republic remains steadfast in advancing Zimbabwe’s national interests, while imploring industry to focus on manufacturing unique culture-based exports to boost the country’s trading opportunities.
Prof Murwira said securing foreign direct investment and strategic partnerships had a larger impact on economic development and will also go a long way in contributing to the attainment of Vision 2030.
Zimbabwe continues to implement more reforms to enhance the business environment, following the establishment of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (Zida).
As a Government agency, Zida promotes and facilitates investment in Zimbabwe. It attracts investors by showcasing opportunities, participating in trade fairs, and building relationships with potential investors.
The country’s trade development and promotion agency, ZimTrade also promotes Zimbabwe as a competitive export destination. Its role is to help Zimbabwean businesses increase their exports and become more globally competitive.
In pursuit of Zimbabwe’s export growth, ZimTrade works with existing and potential exporters, including women and youth enterprises, to build their operational capacity and improve the competitiveness of their products on the export market.
