TRANSPORT and Infrastructural Development minister Obert Mpofu has urged investors from the European Union (EU) to consider bringing their money to Zimbabwe, saying the country was open to foreign direct investment.
MTHANDAZO NYONI OWN CORRESPONDENT
Mpofu said this during the official opening of the Total Zimbabwe $4 million state-of-the art fuel depot in Magazine Road, Steeldale, Bulawayo on Friday.
“I would like to encourage investors to come and invest in Zimbabwe because we are open for investment,” he said.
“Our people are very hardworking, peaceful and very industrious. Tell your people in the EU that we are ready for investment.”
The EU in 2002 slapped President Robert Mugabe and his inner circle with travel restrictions after a disputed presidential election.
Relations between the block and Harare have been frosty, but there has been an improvement since Mugabe formed an inclusive government with his foes that lasted between 2009 and 2013.
There are indications the EU would relax the embargo next month, opening the way for European companies to invest in Zimbabwe.
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Meanwhile, Mpofu appealed to Total Zimbabwe to make use of the National Railways of Zimbabwe for the transportation of fuel, saying rail was an efficient and cost-effective way of moving bulk freight.
The minister called the private sector to complement the government’s efforts through private-public-partnerships. He said the government was ready to engage with the private sector.
Total executive president for Southern Africa, Christian des Closieres, said they will continue to invest in Zimbabwe as an expression of their long-term commitment to the country.
He said even if they would be the only ones left in Zimbabwe, they would continue to see a bright future for the industry and the country as a whole.
“We believe in the people of Zimbabwe whom we have walked a long journey with spanning over 50 years,” Closieres said.
