Zimbabwe partners Italy in agric sector

Zimbabwean Ambassador to Italy, Mary Mubi says the embassy is in talks with Italian agricultural companies to take advantage of their vast technical expertise to ensure national food security.

While acknowledging that the illegal sanctions imposed on Harare by the European Union are hampering cooperation in various sectors, Mubi said talks with Italian business people have shown that they have keen interest to invest in the agricultural sector.

In an interview in Italy, Mubi said Italian companies have realised that the illegal sanctions are affecting trade relations and negotiations have been positive.

"We have been discussing with Italian business people especially in the agricultural sector. They have realised that the sanctions are hurting them too as they are missing out on investment opportunity. Zimbabwe is not a charity case but investments are based on a win-win basis", said Mubi.

Italy is the headquarters of the Food and Agricultural Organisation and the World Food Programme which makes it a viable partner for Zimbabwe in the agricultural sector.

The country has been facing food security challenges owing to climate change and recurrent droughts.

Zimbabwe seeks partners in the development of irrigation, to ensure all year round production of food crops.