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Zvamaida Murwira Senior Reporter

The completion of Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport refurbishment and modernisation will significantly increase airlines and tourist arrivals and spur economic growth as envisaged by Vision 2030 and Government economic blue print, the National Development Strategy 1, President Mnangagwa has said.

He said this soon after touring the RGM International Airport this afternoon to have an appreciation on progress made to date on the US$153 million upgrade being done under a Chinese loan facility.

President Mnangagwa said the coming of Qatar Airways recently was testament of his Government’s commitment to realise economic growth through the opening up of airspace.

“The addition of this and other airlines into our skies must translate into increased inbound and outbound passengers and tourist arrivals, as well as the exponential growth of export cargo,” he said.

“It is my anticipation that we will be able to attract more airlines and increase frequency of the existing ones when this project is completed.”

President Mnangagwa said the visit was an eye opener as it helped him appreciate milestones covered to date.

“This airport upgrading project supports my Government’s drive to modernise our great country and will serve as an enabler to the broader economic growth which is underway,” he said.