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Bulawayo Bureau

A HIGH-LEVEL delegation from European Union (EU) member States has reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties with Zimbabwe and to support the country’s ambition of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.

The six-member delegation, led by EU Ambassador Jobst von Kirchmann, included representatives from Italy, Germany, Sweden, Romania, and France.

Under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, Zimbabwe’s foreign policy has seen a significant shift from isolation to engagement. His strategy has been to engage Zimbabwe’s neighbours, strengthen regional ties, and re-set relations with traditional allies such as China, Russia, Britain, the United States of America, and the EU.

During a press conference at the ongoing Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) yesterday, the EU expressed confidence in Zimbabwe’s potential to reshape its narrative and redefine its economy.

The EU has a dedicated exhibition area at this year’s ZITF. This marks the EU’s second year of participation, with a noticeably increased presence compared to last year.

EU Ambassador Kirchmann highlighted the EU’s commitment to deepening economic ties with Zimbabwe. He pointed to the EU’s successful exhibition in 2023, where they received the top foreign exhibitor award, as evidence of this commitment.

“This year, the EU stand, larger than last year, features even more EU member states with #TeamEurope representation from Sweden, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and Romania offering a unique opportunity to meet and exchange with visitors. The EU stand is also hosting various #TeamEurope funded projects underway in Zimbabwe,” Ambassador Kirchmann.

The diplomats said the EU is spotlighting its Global Gateway campaign running under the theme: “EU with you, Tinemi, Silani.”

“We are committed to working with Zimbabwe to promote investment, innovation, and inclusive growth. The European Investment Bank’s support for the private sector, along with our role in Zimbabwe’s good governance initiatives, pave the way for the brighter economic future we all envision.

“The focus is on the two team Europe Initiatives; Green and Climate Smart Agriculture (GCSA) and Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE).

“The EU’s Global Gateway initiative exemplifies our values-based approach to building trusted connections that benefit people and our planet. Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy (NDS1) goals include greener, climate-resilient agricultural practices. Our aim is to support Zimbabwe’s efforts to improve productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Furthermore, empowering women across social, economic, and political spheres is key to our shared vision,” said Ambassador Kirchmann.

He mentioned that the EU-Zimbabwe Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the EU’s Global Gateway offer a framework for increased trade and investment.

“The EPA offers a great opportunity to Zimbabwean companies who have the possibility to export to the EU on a 100 percent duty-free, quota-free basis. The agreement offers Zimbabwean companies the possibility to modernise and transform their manufacturing processes through the importation of machinery duty-free from Europe.

“With a trade volume of US$700 million and a positive trade balance in favour of Zimbabwe, this is a significant area of cooperation as the EU represents Zimbabwe’s fifth-largest trading partner and number one destination for horticultural exports,” said Ambassador Kirchmann.

Ambassador Kirchmann elaborated on the EU’s ZITF presence. The EU stand showcases information about trade and investment opportunities in Zimbabwe, representing both the European Union and its member states.

He highlighted the stand’s role as a meeting and exchange point. Visitors can access information and connect with stakeholders from Zimbabwe and the EU who are interested in trade and investment.

“We hope to share information on export requirements, support to agriculture machinery imports, technical assistance, lending facilities with the European Investment Bank as well as locating European business partners and exploring new markets,” Ambassador Kirchmann said.

Ambassador Kirchmann further underlined the significant potential for increased trade between Zimbabwe and the EU. He assured visitors to the EU stand that they will gain valuable insights into maximizing the benefits of existing free trade agreements.

“The EU is committed to contributing to a conducive to investment, innovation and inclusive growth in Zimbabwe. This collaboration has seen the European Investment Bank (EIB) advancing private sector facilities to the tune of €40 million to local banks in the past three years and more facilities are in the pipeline. This recognises the positive steps that the government of Zimbabwe together with its partners is taking to address the issue of debt and arrears which has so far prevented Zimbabwe from accessing sovereign lending,” said Ambassador Kirchmann.

Germany’s ambassador Udo Volz said the Second Republic’s approach to international relations is strategic, respectful and favourable, and open to trade with other countries.

The ZITF has been a significant beneficiary of President Mnangagwa’s foreign policy. The ZITF is a mega exhibition held annually in Bulawayo, showcasing the country’s industrial, mining, and agricultural potential.

The fair has seen increased participation from various countries, reflecting the successes of the New Dispensation’s foreign policy. At least 27 foreign nations, including Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Belarus, Britain, Indonesia, and Japan, are exhibiting at the premier showcase. This international participation not only enhances the profile of the ZITF but also opens up opportunities for establishing synergies with Zimbabwe when it comes to economic development.