By Stanley James
ZIMBABWE is supporting the COMESA regional integration plan which seeks to increase trade and business operations through mobilising capital, reducing customs duties, removal of trade barriers and infrastructure development.
Representing His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa during the 21st COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit which Zimbabwe is attending virtually, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Ambassador Frederick Shava revealed the country’s commitment to the implementation of the COMESA trade protocol.
“Zimbabwe and the COMESA region has not been spared by the pandemic therefore there is the need to strengthen openness coordination and collective approach by member states in facilitating trade and doing business in this constraining environment,” said Ambassador Frederick Shava Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
With the plan focusing on the opening up of border posts and infrastructure development, Zimbabwe also highlighted the country’s strides in that area.
“ We note with concern that COMESA’s poor competitiveness globally has been attributed to the quality of infrastructure and technological adoption, the persistent infrastructure deficit is, therefore, a major barrier to regional integration and calls for the development of adequate and efficient infrastructure systems.”
The Summit was held under the theme: “Building Resilience Through strategic Digital Economic Integration.”
The President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, His Excellency Abdel Fattah El Sisi has taken over as the chairman of COMESA.
The post Zim backs COMESA regional integration agenda appeared first on ZBC NEWS.