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EU-Zimbabwe Business Forum kicks off in Harare
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The inaugural EU-Zimbabwe Business Forum kicked off in Harare on Tuesday, marking a significant step toward revitalising and strengthening trade and investment relations between Zimbabwe and the European Union.
The three-day forum, hosted in the capital, has drawn participation from 63 EU-based companies, reflecting what officials describe as a renewed spirit of economic engagement. Delegates from both regions are engaging in high-level dialogue centred on key sectors such as horticulture, mining, and renewable energy - industries identified as having strong potential for growth and partnership.
EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Jobst Von Kirchmann, hailed the forum as a groundbreaking initiative aimed at deepening economic ties. He emphasised the importance of raising bilateral trade volumes, which currently stand at over US$1 billion.
"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," said Ambassador Von Kirchmann.
Zimbabwe's Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, welcomed the initiative as a clear signal of mutual interest and commitment to a new era of economic collaboration.
"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," he noted.
The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) took centre stage in showcasing the breadth of opportunities available across Zimbabwe's economic landscape. ZIDA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Tafadzwa Chinamo, praised the in-person participation of EU firms, saying it provided a valuable opportunity for investors to experience Zimbabwe's potential firsthand.
"The EU firms were able to see firsthand the opportunities in all sectors of the Zimbabwean economy and we're glad that they managed to see for themselves what the Zimbabwean economy offers," he said.
Local exhibitors also benefitted from the platform, engaging directly with potential EU partners. Stakeholders stressed the importance of product certification and compliance with international standards, highlighting ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to ensure export readiness.
"Our role is to certify goods and products to ensure that they meet standards, and we work with the Ministry of Industry. Hence, this platform is key to creating further synergies," said one exhibitor.
A representative from the renewable energy sector praised the forum for helping facilitate new business deals, particularly in securing financing for green projects.
"We are into renewable energy and the platform was good in helping us clinch deals, especially in financing," they said.
With its frank discussions and focus on tangible outcomes, the forum is being hailed as a catalyst for forging long-term, sustainable investment relationships. Organisers and delegates alike expressed optimism that the EU-Zimbabwe Business Forum will lay the foundation for increased economic cooperation, ultimately contributing to a more robust and inclusive trade environment.
The three-day forum, hosted in the capital, has drawn participation from 63 EU-based companies, reflecting what officials describe as a renewed spirit of economic engagement. Delegates from both regions are engaging in high-level dialogue centred on key sectors such as horticulture, mining, and renewable energy - industries identified as having strong potential for growth and partnership.
EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Jobst Von Kirchmann, hailed the forum as a groundbreaking initiative aimed at deepening economic ties. He emphasised the importance of raising bilateral trade volumes, which currently stand at over US$1 billion.
"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," said Ambassador Von Kirchmann.
Zimbabwe's Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ambassador Albert Chimbindi, welcomed the initiative as a clear signal of mutual interest and commitment to a new era of economic collaboration.
"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," he noted.
"The EU firms were able to see firsthand the opportunities in all sectors of the Zimbabwean economy and we're glad that they managed to see for themselves what the Zimbabwean economy offers," he said.
Local exhibitors also benefitted from the platform, engaging directly with potential EU partners. Stakeholders stressed the importance of product certification and compliance with international standards, highlighting ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to ensure export readiness.
"Our role is to certify goods and products to ensure that they meet standards, and we work with the Ministry of Industry. Hence, this platform is key to creating further synergies," said one exhibitor.
A representative from the renewable energy sector praised the forum for helping facilitate new business deals, particularly in securing financing for green projects.
"We are into renewable energy and the platform was good in helping us clinch deals, especially in financing," they said.
With its frank discussions and focus on tangible outcomes, the forum is being hailed as a catalyst for forging long-term, sustainable investment relationships. Organisers and delegates alike expressed optimism that the EU-Zimbabwe Business Forum will lay the foundation for increased economic cooperation, ultimately contributing to a more robust and inclusive trade environment.
Source - zbc
