Story by Stanley James,Business Editor
ZIMBABWE and Uganda have agreed to deepen economic ties by exploring ways to expand trade, promote investment and socio-economic development.
Policymakers, Business leaders, investors and Government officials from Zimbabwe and Uganda held discussions on identifying joint ventures, improving market access, building resource value chains and enhancing productivity.
This forum also provided an opportunity for consolidating economic production gains.
“There is the potential that as Uganda we can grow business with Zimbabwe, so our part is to create that conducive environment for those who want to invest in Uganda,” Uganda Investment Authority, Investment Executive, Ms Kara Komuhangi said.
“I have come here to see what Zimbabwe has in terms of opportunities, so it is my hope that the current trajectory will enable us to set up businesses in Zimbabwe,” Uganda businessman, Mr Plus Obwor, noted.
“There are so many opportunities in the Uganda farming industry, and as such, we need to take advantage of that by venturing into this strategic market,” Zimbabwean business executive, Mrs Eunice Chivunga, stated.
“Riding on the growing political ties between Zimbabwe and Uganda, it is now the time when we need to ensure this is transformed into reality ,” Zim Trade, Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alan Majuru said.
The timing of the forum is also in line with Zimbabwe and Uganda trade growth policies.
“Such discussions are vital as they give us an insight into the trajectory we intended to take. Remember this forum is a testimony that as a nation we can do our best to foster trade ties with Uganda,” Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi noted.
“This is what we want moving towards enhanced trade ties for the two countries and focusing on the possible gains, so as we move towards such integration as Uganda, we promise to honour all our key objectives,” Uganda Minister of State for Foreign Affairs,Regional Affairs, Honourable John Mulimba said.
The Zimbabwe-Uganda Business Forum is also in line with the government’s focus on increasing regional integration and facilitating a private sector-led economy.
