Staff Reporter

His Excellency the President and ZANU PF First Secretary Cde E. D Mnangagwa revealed that the relations between Zimbabwe and Rwanda continue to spur growth of business in the various sectors of the economy.

President Mnangagwa said this yesterday when he was officially opening the Zimbabwe-Rwanda Trade and Investment Conference at the Meikles Hotel in Harare. The Conference was running under the theme “Explore, Invest, Export”.

As reflected in the People’s Manifesto 2018, no country will achieve sustainable development for as long as it remains in isolation. The costs of remaining outside the global economy are too high for the economy, industry and the people. In that regard, the ZANU PF Government will strive to normalise its relations with the international and regional communities, as well as resolve its outstanding international obligations.

President Mnangagwa expressed his hope of increased trade flows and volumes in order to leap frog the quality of home made products from both Zimbabwe and Rwanda so that they penetrate global markets.

“The cordial, fraternal and excellent relations between Rwanda and Zimbabwe should continue to spur growth of business across various sectors of the economy. We have the collective responsibility to shift the historical trend, which was characterised by low trade volumes between our two friendly countries, despite the existence of huge potential.

“In this regard I applaud ZIMTRADE and the Rwanda Development Board for the excellent work in facilitating joint efforts and the networking of private sector from both countries. It is my expectation and that of my dear brother and colleague, the President of the Republic of Rwanda, His Excellency Paul Kagame that ZIMTRADE and the Rwanda Development Board’s partnership must result in increased trade flows and volumes, while leap-frogging the quality of “Made in Zimbabwe” and “Made in Rwanda” products and goods respectively to penetrate global markets,” President Mnangagwa said.

He went on to assure the Conference of his adminstrations support in accelerating investments by the two countries.  

“I assure you of my administration’s continued support in accelerating trade and investments between our two countries. Rwanda is and shall remain Zimbabwe’s friend. Hence, we stand prepared to engage and dialogue on various areas of Mutual Corporation, trade and investment, among others, with the fraternal people and the Government of Rwanda,” President Mnangagwa said.