UK trade mission concludes 3 day scoping visit to Zimbabwe
Trade mission explores opportunities for doing business in Zimbabwe
UK trade mission tours Unilever Zimbabwe factory
The trade mission led by British Expertise concluded its 3 day scoping visit on 30th October 2014. The visit enabled the delegates to see the realities of doing business in Zimbabwe.
British Expertise’s Alex Lambeth, who led the trade mission, expressed his optimism for future trade and investment saying:
The visit has been a success. The firms were impressed at the range and quality of the opportunities on offer, and the clear and consistent message from the public and private sector that Zimbabwe is open for business.
The delegation observed at first hand the realities of doing business in Zimbabwe, including through a site visit to Unilever Zimbabwe, and explored the opportunities for future trade cooperation.
Ambassador Catriona Laing said:
The delegation received a warm welcome from all parts of the Zimbabwean Government, who expressed a strong desire to promote more UK trade and investment.
We welcome the commitment expressed by the Finance Minister and others to improving the business environment, not least through clarification of the indigenization policy. This will be crucial if we are to translate interest into investment.
Meetings during visit
British Expertise held productive meetings with the Vice President and 7 ministers. They also met the heads of
• Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) • Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) • National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) • Zimbabwe Mining Development Company (ZMDC) • Zimbabwe National Roads Authority (ZINARA) • development partners • captains of industry • leading British firms in Zimbabwe
Follow-up
This week’s mission has represented the start of a process. As the next step, British Expertise will draft a report on the mission in the coming weeks. This will be then be promoted in both London and South Africa to interested UK firms and investors.
Contact
For more information on trade and investment opportunities in Zimbabwe contact david.mupamhadzi@fco.gov.uk.