The Sunday News
Dumisani Nsingo, Senior Business Reporter
THE Government has facilitated high profile business-to-business interactions between the country’s private sector and their counterparts from Botswana and Belarus as it forges ahead to reinvigorate its efforts to re-engage with the rest of the world both on the political and economic front.
Addressing journalists at a Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) preparations Press conference last Wednesday, Industry and Commerce Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu said this year’s exhibition takes place against a backdrop of Zimbabwe’s re-engagement with the international community and genuine shared enthusiasm about the country’s economic outlook.
“As Government, we recognise ZITF as a stage for us to engage the international community as we seek to strengthen linkages, which are pivotal to us achieving our desired economic growth rate trajectory. We are there fully committed to support the trade showcase fulfil its mandate,” he said.
Minister Ndlovu said the Government has arranged a business-to-business forum for the private sector and their Botswana counterparts on the sidelines of the ZITF as a way of enabling the business community to share ideas on how best to revive and grow the country’s industry. The business-to-business forum between the country’s private sector and Botswana is a follow-up to the Bi-National Commission meetings held between the two countries in February.
“The private sector from Botswana is coming. I think it’s a matter of confirming the dates. Preparations are underway, that was agreed at the highest level, I don’t even have a say in that, it was agreed at the BNC by the Presidents (Emmerson Mnangagwa and Mokgweetsi Masisi). So that one (business-to -business forum) will take place, I think we will have to update you through adverts when the date, times and venue are confirmed but that is certainly taking place,” said Minister Ndlovu.
He also confirmed that the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) has also confirmed a meeting with a high powered business delegation from Belarus. Zimbabwe is an important partner of Belarus in the Southern African region and Belarus is seeking to gradually reach the highest strategic level of cooperation with it.
“I may also add that there will be a business delegation from Belarus who will also want to have business-to-business interactions with the local business community. It’s being hosted by the ZNCC,” said Minister Ndlovu.
He also confirmed that the United States of America would be making a return to the exhibition after three years.
“Interestingly, the United States of America, through the US Embassy will be making a return to the ZITF after a three-year hiatus to show their commitment to re-engagement with Zimbabwe,” said Minister Ndlovu.
@DNsingo
