Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor in Moscow
ZIMBABWE says it is doing everything within its means to join the BRICS Community to leverage its economic growth potential on the bloc that has countries like Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
Winding up his visit in Moscow, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Professor Amon Murwira said the country is looking towards engaging with groupings such as BRICS in trying to find ways of growing its economy.
The Second Republic has placed much emphasis on not only growing the economy but also replacing Zimbabwe into the global grouping of nations.
“According to our constitution, we must not only be Pan African, but also join progressive groups that are good for the socioeconomic growth of our country and for promoting peace in the world and normally, peace is fostered through economic development,” Professor Murwira said.
Professor Murwira believes Zimbabwe can learn from the Russian Federation in finding local solutions to local challenges.
“What we have done with the Russian Federation and many other countries for that matter, is to coalesce around the idea of growing capabilities. As a ministry, our job is to join the domestic environment in Zimbabwe with the foreign environment in terms of cooperation in education, technical fields, science and technology. This is the only way we can boost the production that we are talking about. And with this production, that is when trade can take place.”
Last year, Zimbabwe launched a ZIMSAT 2 with the support of the Russian Federation, and Professor Murwira believes such engagements could drive Zimbabwe’s vision, particularly as it seeks to implement Education 5.0.
Within the National Development Strategy One, image building and economic diplomacy are key enablers towards Zimbabwe’s economic growth.
