Switzerland happy with Zim’s economic progress

Herald Reporters
More European countries are warming up to Zimbabwe, with Switzerland revealing yesterday that it will send a delegation next month to look at areas of possible economic co-operation in support of the Government’s economic blue print, the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation.

Speaking after meeting Information, Media and Broadcasting Services Minister Professor Jonathan Moyo and his deputy Cde Supa Mandiwanzira in Harare yesterday, Switzerland ambassador Mr Luciano Lavizzari said his country was happy with the progress taking place on the economic front in Zimbabwe since the July 31 harmonised elections.

His remarks follow that of French ambassador Mr Laurent Delahousse, who said on Wednesday that companies from his country were eager to invest in Zimbabwe in light of the political stability ushered in by Zanu-PF’s decisive victory in the July 31 harmonised elections.
President Mugabe romped to victory with 61,09 percent of the vote to MDC-T leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai’s 33,94 percent while Zanu-PF clinched 197 seats in the 270 member national Assembly to MDC-T’s 49.

In the Senate Zanu-PF controls proceedings with 37 seats to MDC-T’s 21 and MDC’s two.

While Britain and its dominions — Australia and Canada — have refused to recognise the harmonised elections, several European countries have made positive overtures in recent months with the European Union lifting sanctions on the Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation and its joint venture companies.

Mr Lavizzari described the economic sanctions imposed on the country by the EU and other Western countries as an “impediment” to economic growth.

“I cannot speak for the EU, but I hope that sooner than later the EU and Zimbabwe will sit down and sought out this impediment to have sound cooperation in the future,” he said.

Switzerland has adopted a policy of neutrality on the issue of sanctions, but would side with Britain in most cases.

Mr Lavizzari said Zimbabwe should now focus on economic issues not politics.

“We covered many issues and we started discussing about the steps Government has taken since the elections,” he said.

“We told him (Prof Moyo) that we have been very happy in noticing that good steps have been taken in the preparation and publication of the Zim Asset which we believe is exactly what this country needs.

“We are also very happy that this Government is tackling economic issues. Perhaps in this country we have been speaking about politics for too long with little about economic issues which are also very important.”

Mr Lavizzari said the “major mission” from Switzerland would see for itself the true Zimbabwean story and explore areas of cooperation.

He said the new political dispensation in Zimbabwe needed support to realise economic growth.

“We discussed that in December there is going to be a major mission from Switzerland to assess the situation for themselves and to see what the reality here is,” he said.

“The mission will also hear from your Government what kind of request do they feel Switzerland could provide in terms of long term partnerships in the economic field and many other fields.

“We told him (Prof Moyo) that my Government will be ready to support Zimbabwe in this transition process towards a better economy which makes Zimbabwe more prosperous.”

Mr Lavizzari said Switzerland was already cooperating with Zimbabwe in the agricultural sector.

“We are already involved in agriculture and we are ready to consider new projects in small irrigation which is something your Government has complained to us as a priority,” Mr Lavizzari said.

“We are also involved in water supply and sanitation and we are happy this also is now considered as a priority by your country.

“We are involved in health and we can together find new subsectors in health that we can consider for the future.”

Mr Lavizzari said Zimbabwe and his country needed to consider signing an “export strategy” that will enhance trade between them.

“Your minister mentioned economic cooperation and many of your ministers have told us that they would like to see Switzerland supporting the signing of an export strategy,” he said.

“The mission coming in December needs to look at this kind of cooperation which will benefit all of us.”

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