Amanda E N Jojo

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the private sector is a vital cog in the development of the country after being impressed by the excellency demonstrated at this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) which displayed diverse and high quality exhibitions.

The President officially opened the 61st edition of the ZITF where he said the successful hosting of the expo was a testimony of business confidence in the country.s

He said the Second Republic’s engagement and re-engagement drive remains a fundamental building block towards the opening up the economy, attracting investments, growing exports and penetrating global markets.

“I commend the ZITF Company for introducing the inaugural Diplomatic forum which will complement the policy thrust and undoubtedly advance the overall objectives of our focus on economic diplomacy,” President Mnangagwa said.

The Diplomats Forum is an annual event which promotes the Government’s re-engagement drive with the international community.

President Mnangwa urged investors to take advantage of trade facilitations arrangements within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, government agencies such as Zimbabwe International Development Agency, ZimTrade and the Zimbabwe Chamber of Commerce.

“The advent of COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the need to reconfigure economies through innovation and building resilience.

“In this new normal, the private sector remains a vital cog in the development of viable industrial and commercial enterprises as well as promoting overall economic growth,” president Mnangagwa said.

He commended the private sector for demonstrating resilience in the face of the pandemic and also for adopting the Local Content Strategy.

“As a result, Zimbabwe has been declared one of the fastest growing economies in the region as well as one of the fastest movers on the by World Bank Doing Business Index.

“These success milestones demonstrate the convergence of positive national sentiments and unity of purpose between the private sector, government and all the people of our great country,” he said.

Furthermore, he reasserted government’s unwavering commitment to implement bold policies and programmes to project Zimbabwe as an attractive business and investment destination.

“Private sector initiatives will be facilitated to bolster the achievements made to date towards the realization of aspirations envisaged in the National Development Strategy 1, Africa Union Agenda 2063 and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for the ultimate improved quality of our lives,” he said.

The Trade Fair’s theme, ‘Showcasing the New Normal for Business and Industry: Realities and Opportunities,’ reflects the growing focus to re-invigorate business and industry in achieving an inclusive socio-economic growth.