Zimbabwe’s President Mnangagwa has lauded the nation for its rich natural resources, young population, and strategic location, labeling it a highly profitable investment destination. Speaking at the third Zimbabwe-Belarus Business Forum in Harare, the President emphasized the country’s concerted efforts to bolster economic ties and form mutually beneficial partnerships, as per its engagement and re-engagement agenda.
The forum, themed “Building Stronger Partnerships: Harnessing a Shared Vision for a Sustainable Future,” witnessed the signing of two critical Memoranda of Understanding for the joint production of buses and the supply of fire-fighting equipment to the City of Mutare.
President Mnangagwa urged Belarusian businesses to capitalize on Zimbabwe’s abundant opportunities while expressing a keen interest in leveraging Belarusian expertise in technology and innovation for the collective advancement of both nations.
Highlighting Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 to achieve upper middle-income status, the President underscored the government’s commitment to implementing bold economic reforms, fostering an investor-friendly environment, and expediting growth across various sectors such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and infrastructure development.
The President also urged the deepening of ties through high-level visits and emphasized the importance of existing agreements that offer preferential market access and trade opportunities for both nations.
Deputy Minister Harintochik of Belarus acknowledged Zimbabwe’s economic growth and their successful joint projects, expressing confidence in Zimbabwe’s agriculture machinery and reaffirming his country’s commitment to fulfilling agreements, including the construction of grain storage facilities.
Industry and Commerce Minister Sithembiso Nyoni underscored the historic visits between Presidents Mnangagwa and Lukashenko as the foundation for fostering robust bilateral relations and joint collaboration between the two nations.
Furthermore, Vice President Chiwenga commissioned a bus jointly developed by AVM Africa and Minsk Automobile, signaling a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s capacity to produce buses using Belarusian technology, with plans for substantial monthly production and the incorporation of numerous local companies in the value chain. Additionally, an MoU for the supply of fire-fighting equipment to the City of Mutare was finalized during the event.
These pivotal agreements and initiatives, coupled with the enthusiastic support from both nations, mark an important step in strengthening the enduring bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Belarus.
