Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has reached out for the Chinese hand in Zimbabwe’s quest to catch up with the first world’s expansively automated and digitally innovative economic solutions.
VP Chiwenga made the call here while addressing the 13th China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) this morning.
His call comes on the back of an elaborate Government strategy to spread economic development to the services sector, particularly manufacturing and several key sectors like health services.
“As the world shifts through automation and digital innovation, demand is moving from physical goods to digital, green, and intelligent services,” said VP Chiwenga.
“For Zimbabwe, the China International Fair for Trade in Services helps us identify trade in services opportunities, build export capacity, and attract credible partners across technology, finance, tourism, education and healthcare.
“Zimbabwe has strong potential in services, which is supported by our strategic position in Southern Africa, a skilled population and a rich natural and cultural heritage.
“While tourism remains a key strength, we are building capacities in transport, professional services, trade and financial services to diversify and expand our services export base,” said VP Chiwenga.
He said Zimbabwe is using the global showcase to identify new opportunities in the services economy, strengthen its export capacity and attract credible international partners in technology, finance, tourism, education and healthcare.
The Vice President said technological advances are transforming global commerce, presenting developing economies such as Zimbabwe with an opportunity to diversify their exports and participate more competitively in emerging areas of international trade.
While Zimbabwe has traditionally relied heavily on exports of commodities and other physical goods, particularly minerals and agricultural products, the Government is seeking to broaden the economy by developing competitive services that can generate foreign currency, create skilled employment and complement the country’s industrialisation drive.
“Zimbabwe will host the Intra-African Trade Fair in Harare in 2029. This event is expected to create major investment opportunities across accommodation, conferencing, exhibition infrastructure, events management and related business services,” said VP Chiwenga.
“We are seeking to build mutually beneficial partnerships and sustainable businesses that create high-value jobs, transfer technology, develop skills, expand logistics services and contribute to economic transformation.
“In light of these factors, the time is now, the opportunities are available, and Zimbabwe is prepared to work with you,” said VP Chiwenga.
He implored the global economy to work together, in the spirit of the Fair’s theme, “Global Services, Shared Prosperity.”
In his opening remarks at the Fair, Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China Ding Xuexiang reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to deepening economic cooperation with participating countries, including Zimbabwe, saying China is prepared to pursue mutually beneficial partnerships that deliver shared development and prosperity.
He said China remains committed to expanding international cooperation and creating opportunities for its partners to benefit from the continued growth and transformation of the Chinese economy.-herald
