By Dickson Bandera
The European Union Delegation in Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the country’s development agenda, citing an improving business climate as well as potential for massive growth.
At a meeting with journalists in the capital last week Thursday, EU Ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe answered questions on various topics, including health, the current El-Nino induced drought, arts and culture, business, and the upcoming Nordic-Africa Summit.
EU Ambassador, His Excellency Jobst von Kirchmann, underlined the bloc’s unwavering dedication to Zimbabwe’s development, highlighting the EU’s eagerness to collaborate with Zimbabwe at a time when there is a surge in interest in Zimbabwean investments.
Envoys from Spain, Greece, Netherlands, Sweden, Romania, France, Germany, and Portugal also articulated their respective country positions, underscoring their role in fostering Zimbabwe’s development through multifaceted projects.
The EU’s Global Gateway program, designed to bolster development initiatives with the world was also discussed. The current Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project, the largest rehabilitation endeavor globally, is one of the projects under this Programme.
Agricultural projects and climate change resilience programs were also discussed, with ambassadors emphasizing the need for smart agriculture and a robust transition towards climate resilience.
The ambassadors expressed satisfaction with their collaboration with Zimbabwe and stressed the importance of an improved investment climate to lure investors.
Ambassador Kirchmann highlighted the significance of debt clearance resolutions in facilitating investments and acknowledged the pivotal role of individual companies in investment decisions. The German envoy emphasized the need to enhance Zimbabwe’s business climate to attract further investments.
The EU’s facilitation of duty and tariff-free imports for Zimbabwean companies. So far approximately 200 entities are benefitting and the EU is expecting an increase as information spreads across the country. Journalists were also called to contribute towards spreading this critical information to the business community.
The ambassadors reaffirmed their commitment to nurturing local talent in the arts and cultural sector, outlining specific programs to support Zimbabwe’s burgeoning talent pool.
The meeting was an eye opener as it gave the diplomats an opportunity to clarify some of the issues under their purview.
