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Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter

The five-year Technical Assistance to the Zimbabwe Economic Partnership Agreement (TAZEPA) between Government and the EU has been commended for empowering various State institutions and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the country’s efforts to integrate into the world economy.

This was said by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador James Manzou in a speech read on his behalf by the chief director for Economic Cooperation, International Trade and the Diaspora in the ministry, Mrs Rudo Faranisi on Monday during an exit meeting to mark the end of the programme.

“The TAZEPA project, which came into being in 2018, had a specific focus to support Zimbabwe through capacity building, procurement of equipment and funding of experts to provide consultancies for the review and development of operational strategies. The main aim was to facilitate Zimbabwe’s economic integration into the global economy.

“Allow me to extend our sincere gratitude to the European Union for the continued co-operation and support we have received over the years,” Ambassador Manzou said.

He added that the project was one of the products of the re-engagement and engagement efforts under the Second Republic.

“The beneficiaries of the TAZEPA support project include Government Ministries and agencies and business support organisations. Further, a number of SMEs received financing support amounting to 5 million euro of the total 10 million euro extended to Zimbabwe.

“We are informed that the resources have been put to good use, contributing to the enhancement of trade facilitation infrastructure, and export growth and competitiveness, especially in the SMEs sector. The success of these projects will, enhance the growth and development of the sector, ” he said.