Staff Reporter
The inaugural EU-Zimbabwe Business Forum officially opened in Harare on Tuesday, marking a major step forward in strengthening trade and investment ties between Zimbabwe and the European Union. The three-day event has attracted 63 companies from across the EU and is being hailed as a historic milestone in fostering bilateral commercial partnerships.
The forum focuses on key economic sectors such as horticulture, mining, and renewable energy. It is also expected to pave the way for a significant increase in trade volumes, which currently stand at over US$1 billion.
Speaking at the event, EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Jobst von Kirchmann, said the initiative is designed to transform dialogue into action and create meaningful business linkages.
“Our main goal with this platform is to elevate our trade relationship and, for the first time, bring EU firms to Zimbabwean shores to strengthen our relationships,” Ambassador von Kirchmann said.
He stressed that the EU is ready to work with Zimbabwe to build sustainable, long-term trade and investment relationships rooted in mutual benefit and economic transformation.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, welcomed the forum as a testament to the strengthening diplomatic and economic engagement between Zimbabwe and the EU.
“It is indeed very encouraging that we are talking of two parties who have charted a new course of partnership in trade. We are poised for a new era of trade partnership,” Chimbindi said.
The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) took the opportunity to present Zimbabwe’s investment potential to the visiting delegation.
ZIDA CEO, Tafadzwa Chinamo, said the physical presence of European investors is crucial in building confidence in the local economy.
“The EU firms were able to see firsthand the opportunities in all sectors of the Zimbabwean economy, and we’re glad they managed to see for themselves what Zimbabwe has to offer,” Chinamo noted.
Local exhibitors from sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing used the platform to engage with potential partners, stressing the importance of product certification and meeting international standards.
“Our role is to certify goods and products to ensure they meet standards, and we work with the Ministry of Industry. This platform is key to creating further synergies,” said one exhibitor.
A representative from the renewable energy sector also praised the forum for providing practical opportunities for business development.
“We are into renewable energy and the platform helped us clinch potential deals, particularly in financing,” the participant said.
Characterised by frank and constructive discussions, the forum is set to catalyse sustainable partnerships, unlock new trade avenues, and contribute to creating a favourable investment climate in Zimbabwe.
As the event continues, there is strong optimism that it will serve as a blueprint for deeper engagement and greater economic cooperation between Zimbabwe and the European Union.
