Staff Reporter
In a resounding call to investors, Vice President (VP) Constantino Chiwenga emphasised the opportune moment for investment in Zimbabwe during his address at the 3rd Zimbabwe-Belarus Business Forum in Harare today.
With the theme "Building Stronger Partnerships: Harnessing a Shared Vision for a Sustainable Future," the forum provided a platform for key collaborations aimed at bolstering economic ties between the two nations.
Speaking at the event, VP Chiwenga stated, "Our Belarusian friends need to note that there is no other time to invest in Zimbabwe than now. We are a competitive jurisdiction and part of a large single African market with over 1 billion people, through the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA)."
As the Guest of Honour, VP Chiwenga not only underscored the potential for foreign investment but also urged Zimbabwean businesses to seize the opportunities afforded by the blossoming relations between Zimbabwe and Belarus.
"In the same vein, I urge Zimbabwean companies to take advantage of relations with Belarus to penetrate the Euro-Asia region and emerging markets," he remarked, highlighting the importance of leveraging international partnerships for mutual benefit.
The forum, a precursor to the inaugural Zimbabwe-Belarus Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation, witnessed significant milestones in bilateral collaboration.
Among the key highlights was the official launch of the AVM Protype City Bus, marking a significant step towards addressing Zimbabwe's transport challenges.
This milestone was accompanied by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between AVM Africa and the Minsk Automobile Plant of Belarus, aimed at providing buses tailored for both rural and urban settings.
Additionally, VP Chiwenga presided over the signing of another crucial MOU between the City of Mutare and the Minsk City Fire Department of Belarus.
This agreement focused on the procurement of firefighting trucks and equipment, signalling a commitment to enhancing emergency response capabilities in Zimbabwe.
The event underscored the depth of collaboration between Zimbabwe and Belarus, with eight bilateral agreements inked in sectors ranging from education to agriculture and economic cooperation.
These agreements were a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations, cementing President Mnangagwa's characterization of their relations as "comprehensive and solid."
With the stage set for enhanced cooperation, Zimbabwe and Belarus stand poised to embark on a journey of mutual growth and prosperity, guided by a shared vision of progress and development.
