By Ernest Nyahanana in Dubai
A Business Leaders’ Forum organized by the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), fostered efforts to create an enabling environment for investment if the testimonials from business leaders was anything to go by.
Zimbabwe has stepped up her crusade for engagement and re-engagement as part of her quest to boost economy, and in line with re-engagement efforts the country successfully held two interactive sessions with the UAE-based Zimbabwean diaspora community and international business leaders.
The interactive session attended by President Mnangagwa including the hugely popular Zimbabwe National Day celebrations at Expo 2020 Dubai.
During his busy three-day visit, the President met His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, where the two exchanged notes on mining and agriculture cooperation.
“The focus of my meeting with the Prime Minister was on further cooperation, where captains of industry from the UAE are looking for opportunities.
“I was able to explain the opportunities in mining and agriculture and the incentives we offer in such areas,” he told Emirates News Agency, the official news agency of the United Arab Emirates, before his departure yesterday afternoon.
Asked about the importance of his visit and the national day in Zimbabwe, the President said it was important that Zimbabwe was given the opportunity to demonstrate cooperation and investment opportunities.
“At the exhibition, you can learn what other countries are doing and you can also learn what opportunities are available in your country.”
On trade between Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates, President Mnangagwa highlighted that trade between the two countries was US$1.4 billion in 2020, rising to US$1.6 billion two years later.
“Trade between the two countries has been growing rapidly, and beyond that we have a close relationship,” he said.
In 2019, President Mnangagwa paid a three-day state visit to the UAE, but was forced to abandon his visit on the second day after Cyclone Idai devastated the country, killing over 300 people and causing massive property damage.
“But I’m glad that when Cyclone Idai hit us, the UAE sent two planes with a lot of material assistance, which went a long way towards mitigating the impact of the cyclone.”
About Author
