Story by Theophilus Chuma
Brazil is eager to further strengthen bilateral ties with Zimbabwe in the agricultural sector, as the two nations reinforce trade relations.
Economic and commercial relations between Brazil and Zimbabwe are heading for exciting times after the South American nation indicated its keenness to expand the current capacity in agricultural ties.
Brazil’s envoy to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Vilmar Coutinho Jnr revealed this at the occasion of his country’s National Day marked in Harare this Friday.
“We have good relations with Zimbabwe in the agricultural sector and we want to expand this cooperation through further areas such as mechanisation to expand this capacity. This expansion will be critical to grow our agricultural prospects and ensure self-food sufficiency,” he said.
The latest position by Brazil expands on already existing bilateral relations in cotton production and cattle breeding.
Government is optimistic that trade ties with Brazil will result into mutual economic benefits for the two nations.
“We are grateful for the support we have received from Brazil towards our agricultural sector. This is a very critical area of cooperation for the two countries, but we also have opportunities in various sectors which we can attract invests from Brazil. So the scope for cooperation is very broad and we hope that we will be able to utilise the investment space to grow our economies,” said Zimbabwe’s Minister of Defence, Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.
Last year, Brazil hinted on extending its footprint in the education and health sectors, while also seeking to unlock investment opportunities through participating at platforms such as the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair as well as the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show.
Zimbabwe has also benefitted from Brazil’s More Food for Africa Programme meant to improve food security among small-holder farmers.
