Business Reporter

THE Minister of Industry and Commerce, Michael Bimha has described the Milano Expo 2015 taking place in Italy as an indispensable platform for connecting Zimbabwe with the European market.
Speaking recently at a ceremony held at the expo to celebrate the Zimbabwe National Day and the country’s participation at the trade jamboree, Minister Bimha said apart from promoting tourism, vast trade and investment opportunities across key sectors were showcased.
“The expo is proving to be an integral platform for the country to re-enforce a positive image for the destination Zimbabwe in the European market and lure trade partners and investors,” he said.
“The country also has a diversified manufacturing industry base, the major industries being food processing, metal, leather products, wood and furniture, clothing and textiles and chemicals, among others.
“In line with the country’s industrial development policy, we are calling for investments in these sectors in order to expand the country’s industrial base.”
The business community from Italy, Europe and all over the world was invited to explore various opportunities offered by Zimbabwe.
The expo attracts millions of people from across the globe with varied interests.
Participation at the expo is part of the country’s efforts and quest for sustainable development.
And the expo has become indispensable as it facilitates economic, scientific, technological and cultural exchange.
Zimbabwe is presently engaged on an aggressive development agenda that is set to catapult the economy to dizzy heights.
Already the mega deals signed with the Chinese and Russians are at an advanced stage and major work is expected to commence soon.
And Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote was recently in the country and awaits Government permits to start investment in the country.
President Robert Mugabe has made it clear that the country will not be bullied into deals that do not benefit the majority.
And he has opened the door to all genuine investors from both the East and West.
Zimbabwe is showcasing what it has to offer, at the Milano Expo, under the theme; ‘Food Security, Sustainable Development: A Healthy Zimbabwe’.
“The country is indeed seized with these matters as they also relate to the Global Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),” said Minister Bimha.
Speaking at the expo the Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs of Italy, Mario Giro, congratulated Zimbabwe for its successful participation at the expo.
“We are proud to partner Zimbabwe in its quest for economic progression,” he said. “The country’s potential for sustainable development given its vast natural resources and varied opportunities, match our prospects for deeper cooperation and development.”
The Milano Expo had 145 participating countries exhibiting under six major clusters.
The clusters included Fruits and Legumes, Spices: The World of spices, Cereals and Tubers, Bio- Mediterranean: Health, Beauty and Harmony, Islands, Sea and Foods, and Agriculture and Nutrition in Arid zones.
Zimbabwe was in the Cereals and Tubers cluster together with Bolivia, Congo, Haiti, Mozambique, Togo and Venezuela.
This cluster traces the discovery and development of old and new crops that have brought nourishment and sustenance to people across the world.
Zimbabwe exhibited crops such as rice, wheat, sorghum, and maize.
The country’s participation at this global business fiesta, which is held every five years, is being coordinated by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
Other key entities involved include Zimtrade, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and the Zimbabwe Investment Authority