By Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor
The 3rd Session of the Zimbabwe-Brazil Joint Permanent Commission set to be hosted by Zimbabwe this year is expected to strengthen and diversify cooperation between the two countries through exploring investment opportunities in various economic sectors.
Director of the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), Ambassador Ruy Pereira says the meeting they held this Monday with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Ambassador Fredrick Shava, delved into diverse issues regarding the JPCC and agreed to pursue a flower production for the export project, which will allow the Brazilians to tap into Zimbabwe’s rich expertise in flower growing and export.
Ambassador said, “Currently, there are two ongoing cooperation projects in cotton productivity; and livestock and pastures development and improvement. The agency has set up Technical Demonstration Units (TDUs) at the Cotton Research Institute in Kadoma and in Gokwe and at the Grasslands Research Centre in Marondera. The livestock project is intended to boost the national herd to create opportunities for exporting Zimbabwean beef. With respect to cotton productivity, in addition to value addition and beneficiation, the idea is to boost rural livelihoods and create employment.”
Ambassador Shava noted, “During our meeting, we agreed to pursue a flower production for the export project, which will allow the Brazilians to tap into Zimbabwe’s rich expertise in flower growing and export. We also agreed to continue strengthening and diversifying technical cooperation between our two countries through multidisciplinary missions that would explore various activities among others, school feeding programmes, public health centres and humanitarian assistance operations. We also agreed on the convening of the 3rd Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) to fast-track the projects.
“The 3rd JPCC is scheduled to be held in Zimbabwe. Currently, there are two ongoing cooperation projects in cotton productivity; and livestock and pastures development and improvement. The agency has set up Technical Demonstration Units (TDUs) at the Cotton Research Institute in Kadoma and in Gokwe and at the Grasslands Research Centre in Marondera. The livestock project is intended to boost the national herd to create opportunities for exporting Zimbabwean beef. With respect to cotton productivity, in addition to value addition and beneficiation, the idea is to boost rural livelihoods and create employment.”
Ambassador Shava also met with the Director and Co-founder of the African Pride, Ms Caroline Morais whose organisation aims to link Brazilians of African descent with African countries that including Zimbabwe in the sectors of tourism, business and culture.
Director and Co-founder of African Pride Ms Caroline Morais said, “We had a great discussion on what Zimbabwe can offer, especially in the tourism sector. I will be visiting Zimbabwe soon. I want Brazilians to know that Zimbabwe is a place where they are welcome to visit or even invest.”
The National Development Strategy One is targeting various economic pillars, with economic diplomacy being a key enabler in the successful implementation of the economic blueprint.
