GOVERNMENT has described the diaspora community as a key component of Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development, rallying diasporians to be true ambassadors of the country.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe Investment and Diaspora Forum held in Harare this Friday, Director for International Affairs in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Richard Mahomva cited the huge diaspora remittances as an anchor to the well-being of the economy.
“The Second Republic in it is engagement and reengagement policy thrust has been taking a leading role in ensuring that it incorporates the diaspora community in it’s national development agenda because they have contributed massively to our economic growth and development through remittances and we so much cherish this hence as Government it imperative to recognize that they can invest back home and help grow the national economy,” he said.
British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Peter Knowles reflected on strides to strengthen relations between Zimbabwe and the UK, underpinned by the growing Zimbabwean diaspora community
“Zimbabwe and the UK relations continue to blossom, and we are enjoying the cordial relations. The Zimbabwean population in the UK is a contributor to the economy hence we need to harness our bilateral relations between the two countries,” he noted.
Director General of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Dr Diana Cartier, acknowledged the growing importance of creating synergies with migrant communities and their important role to contribute to societal development.
“Migrant communities have historically been a cog in the development of many societies across the globe and it is imperative to sustain their development so that they contribute to the development of the national economy,” she noted.
The Zimbabwe Investment and Diaspora Forum has grown over the years as a platform to encourage diasporians to invest back home.
“This platform has served Zimbabwe well growing into becoming a platform where local investors interface their counterparts from the Diaspora in order to exchange notes aimed at driving investment and economic development and we strive to reward all those who are contributing to the growth of the Zimbabwean economy regardless of where they live,” said Zimbabwe Investment and Diaspora Forum chairperson, Dr Ted Nyatanga.
The Zimbabwe Investment and Diaspora Forum was organised by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration.
