‘Zim, UAE should deepen trade ties’

Mandaza Chikarango-Herald reporter

Defense and Veterans Affairs Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said yesterday that Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) should increase cooperation in all areas of the economy, including diamond and livestock value chains, for the benefit of the two peoples.

Investors from the UAE can also take advantage of the exciting incentives offered by the Second Republic to start a lucrative business for themselves.

She was speaking at the UAE’s 51st National Day commemoration in Harare.

“More cooperation is needed in the field of agriculture and agro-processing for the UAE market,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.

“Our two countries can cooperate in livestock production for the benefit of the two peoples. The two countries can cooperate in areas such as diamond cutting, polishing and sales, medicine and medical equipment, hotel and conference facility construction.

“We are pleased to note that trade between Zimbabwe and the UAE has been growing over the years.”

Total trade between Zimbabwe and the UAE has grown exponentially from US$832 million in 2019 to US$891 million in 2020 as relations between the two countries continue to deepen.

This year, Zimbabwe and the UAE signed several bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding to attract investment from the Middle Eastern country.

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri expressed Zimbabwe’s deepest gratitude to the UAE Government and UAE donor agencies for donating US$1.5 million worth of medical equipment to the Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in May 2018.

In August 2019, another $2 million worth of medical equipment was donated to the same hospital.

The UAE also provided humanitarian aid to victims of Cyclone Idai with two cargo planes.

In August, Zimbabwe received another shipment of medical supplies and personal protective equipment to fight Covid-19.

Dr. Jassim Mohammed Mubarak Abdullah Al Qasemi, UAE Ambassador to Zimbabwe, said they were keen to strengthen their position at the international level by prioritizing the economic and commercial prosperity of their partners.

“The UAE leadership will continue to support diversity and partnerships in an effort to reduce global tensions and strengthen international cooperation,” he said.

“Our country will also continue to pursue a foreign policy aimed at building common interests among countries in the region to promote peace, stability, prosperity and the well-being of the people.

“The UAE has begun concluding comprehensive economic partnership agreements with strategic partners as part of its long-term strategy to diversify its economy and develop strong international partnerships.”

Dr. Al Qasemi said that through its good relations with all Southern African countries, especially Zimbabwe, the UAE hopes to sign more economic agreements to open up new trade markets and economic cooperation between the two countries.

The event was also attended by Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa and her husband Cde Chris Mutsvangwa, president of the Zimbabwe War of National Liberation Veterans Association association.