Zim, Malawi want trade, investment forum
Zimbabwe and Malawi want a business forum set up to facilitate trade and investment between the two countries according to a recommendation in the communiqué at the end of the 10th Session of the Zimbabwe-Malawi Joint Permanent Commission in Harare yesterday.
The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises Development.
The MOU was signed by Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Sibusiso Moyo and his Malawian counterpart, Eisenhower Mkaka.
“The two ministers underscored the important role played by the private sector in promoting trade and investment between the two countries,” reads part of the communique.
“In this regard, they welcomed the cordial relations between ZimTrade and the Malawi Investment and Trade Centre. The two ministers encouraged the organisations to establish a business forum, an important vehicle for facilitating trade and investment cooperation between the private sector organisations.”
In his remarks, Minister Moyo said the business forum was an excellent platform for those in the private sector to meet and network, identify opportunities and share experiences.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo and his Malawian counterpart Mr Eisenhower Mkaka sign MOUs at the Tenth Session of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation between the two nations in Harare yesterday. – Picture: Believe Nyakudjara
“It also provides a platform for the private sector to give feedback to our two governments on what is working and what needs improvement,” he said. “Our leaders are keen to listen to the private sector because they, indeed, are the drivers of our economies.”
Minister Mkaka echoed similar sentiments, saying there was need to boost ties between the private sectors in the two countries.
He said the signing of the MOU on SMEs development was “critical for creating a conducive environment for our SMEs, who are key drivers of sustainable economic growth and development in our two economies.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo and his Malawian counterpart Mr Eisenhower Mkaka exchange files after they signed MOUs at the Tenth Session of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation between the two nations in Harare yesterday. – Picture: Believe Nyakudjara
“I am, therefore, glad that we are making progress in this area which will amongst others, facilitate and enhance trade and investment between the SME sector of our two countries.”
Other areas of cooperation the two nations should work on included labour, education, mining, energy, gender, social welfare, information and communication technology and disaster management.
Minister Mkaka reaffirmed Malawi’s unequivocal support for the calls to remove the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by some Western countries.–herald.cl.zw
