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Lovemore Mataire Senior Reporter
VICE President Emmerson Mnangagwa is scheduled to travel to Europe tomorrow for a trade and investment promotion trip to lure investors long affected by the West’s economic sanctions regime.

Speaking soon after touring the Sunway City Integrated Park near Ruwa, Vice President Mnangagwa said his intended visit to Europe was part of Government’s drive to attract investors.

“I am also going to Europe on Friday (tomorrow) to attract huge companies to come and invest . . . I will be able to speak with vigour (after touring the Sunway City Integrated Park) and clarity and attract major companies to come to Zimbabwe,” said Cde Mnangagwa.

The Vice President commended efforts by Sunway City (Pvt) Ltd in developing a world class integrated industrial, commercial, residential and recreational park that provides relevant infrastructural development and economic growth.

He said he visited some industrial parks in China during his visit last week where he was informed by the Minister of Industry and Commerce Cde Mike Bimha of a similar park in Zimbabwe.

“Let me say — we saw many companies and addressed 86 global companies in China that are willing to come in here,” Cde Mnangagwa said.

Cde Mnangagwa said he had agreed with Cde Bimha to hold an International Investment Conference in October where huge global companies are scheduled to attend and explore investment opportunities in the country.

He said all the companies have worldwide markets and had expressed interest in making Zimbabwe their centre and conduit for exploring continental opportunities.

Cde Mnangagwa said the Government was to fast-track the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Bill. The bill will provide for the establishment of the SEZ board, designation, promotion and operational modalities, including the implementation of incentives for the operators and business located within the zones in a move to boost business confidence and increase foreign direct investment.

Acting general manager for Sunway City (Pvt) Ltd, Ms Fungisayi Mupazvirihwo appealed for the granting of Special Economic Zone status to attract investment partners to enable the company to develop and service the land.

Vice President Mnangagwa toured the Chemplex Industrial Complex and the residential area near the Pretoria Portland Cement. He was accompanied by Minister of Industry and Commerce, Cde Bimha: Ministers Cde Chris Mutsvangwa — Welfare Services for War Veterans, War Collaborators and former Political Detainees and Restrictees, Cde Kembo Mohadi — State Security, Cde Nyasha Chikwinya — Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development, Cde Walter Chidhakwa — Mines and Mining Development, Cde Supa Mandiwanzira — Information, Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services , Dr David Parirenyatwa — Health and Child Care and Prosecutor General Johannes Tomana.

Sunway City (Pvt) Ltd was established by the Industrial Development Corporation of Zimbabwe Limited (IDCZ) in partnership with Sunway of Malaysia in 1996.

Its mandate is to develop its 1 559 hectare land bank into a world class integrated industrial, commercial, residential, institutional and recreational park.