TENDAI BHEBE IN BULAWAYO
The European Union (EU) is keen to invest more in Zimbabwe, the bloc’s ambassador to Zimbabwe, Jobst von Kirchmann has said.
Speaking to journalists in Bulawayo last week, von Kirchmann said: “The EU will continue to build on the growth trend of the trade (between Zimbabwe and the EU).
“With a trade volume of US$700m, the EU is a major trading partner of Zimbabwe. It is the number one destination for Zimbabwe’s horticultural exports and is keen to invest more.”
von Kirchmann said 42% of Zimbabwe’s horticulture exports went into the EU in 2021.
He said the top three of these horticultural products are citrus, leguminous vegetables and cut flowers.
The EU sells machinery and chemical imports to Zimbabwe that support local industry by encouraging greater efficiency in processing in agricultural production, transport and tea and leather processing sectors.
He also promised to avail investment opportunities in Zimbabwe to the EU member States.
The EU participated at this year’s Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.
“ The stand aimed at becoming a meeting and exchange point between Zimbabwe and the EU trade and investment stakeholders, “he said.
He said the visitors had the opportunity to access information on export requirements, support to agriculture machinery imports, technical assistance, lending facilities with the European Investment Bank as well as locating European business partners and exploring new markets.
von Kirchmann said the competitive trade advantage was possible under the Economic Partnership Agreement which allows duty-free and quota-free access to the EU’s 27 countries, the largest trading block in the world.
He said the EU continues to build on the growth trend of Zimbabwean trade while contributing directly to the implementation of Zimbabwe’s trade.
Speaking to journalists after touring ZITF stands last week, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s re-engagement programme was bearing fruit.
“.…Numbers (of exhibitors) are increasing. The Americans are here, the British are here, the European Union to Zimbabwe (EU) is here and everybody is here. So the re-engagement is very fruitful, “ Mnangagwa said.
