By Tendai Matunhu

Zimbabwe is aiming for higher productivity, economic growth and job creation through growth of exports.

Addressing delegates in Harare today at the Malawi, Namibia and Angola Survey Dissemination Seminar, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, David Musabayana said he believed 2020 was a year of higher productivity.

“I would like to believe that you are all aware that President Emmerson Mnangagwa pronounced the year 2020 as the year of higher productivity, economic growth, job creation and satisfying the needs of the people.

“Trade is one of the key drivers for sustainable economic growth and development of any nation. Economies all over the world are striving to increase trade by growing exports and Zimbabwe is no exception,” he said.

Deputy Minister Musabayana also said Government intends to include people at the grass root level in its industrialization agenda.

“Zimbabwe is following an export-led industrialisation agenda using an inclusive approach which includes our people at the grass-root level. We are striving to ensure that all the necessary policies, rules and regulations are in place in order to facilitate trade in the various sectors of the economy,” said the Deputy Minister.

Zimbabwe and Malawi share social, political and economic history. He said the two countries signed a bi-lateral agreement in 1995 to provide better business and to stimulate trade.

On the relationship between Zimbabwe and Namibia, Deputy Minister Musabayana highlighted that the two signed a bi-lateral agreement in 1992 for the exclusion of duty for goods with 25% local content.

To further strengthen the ties between the two countries Honourable Musabayana revealed that Zimtrade and Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA) would be signing a Memorandum of Understanding which would provide practical implementation of the mutual agreement to facilitate trade in agriculture commodities.

He also said there is need to escalate the cordial relationship which the two countries have had since the days of the liberation struggle so as to strengthen bi-lateral cooperation.