SWITZERLAND sees Zimbabwe as a key trade and investment partner with which it aims to further expand economic ties, spurred by a recently concluded investment framework between the two countries, a senior Swiss diplomat said.

This is what the outgoing Swiss Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Niculin Jäger, said when he paid a farewell visit to President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the State House on Wednesday. “We have just recently negotiated a new agreement that will set the framework between our two countries to improve investment policies and I believe this will open up new opportunities for investors,” he said.

In terms of trade, many of our companies produce locally, are local and have had staff for such a long time that they are considered Zimbabwean companies. Their products are mainly sold in the Zimbabwean market and regional markets; Unfortunately, not many of the products find their way to Switzerland, but I hope that will change in the future.”

Jager said his four years of service has been an incredible journey that has led to closer cooperation between Switzerland and Zimbabwe.

“Our relations are very cordial and focused on a lot of economic exchanges. As you may know, Switzerland is a leading European investor and this allowed us to address many different issues in our relationship, be it on the political side, be it on the economic side and be it also in terms of cooperation and development “, he said.

“After four years I can definitely say that our relationship has grown, we have taken it to new heights under the leadership of His Excellency the President and with the State Department.

“We witnessed His Excellency the President’s visit to Davos, Switzerland in 2018 as his first visit as Head of State to Europe, and this visit has only recently been repeated.”

In 2018, President Mnangagwa made a historic appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to advance Zimbabwe’s agenda for reintegration and engagement.

Since then he has been invited annually to the Forum, a gathering of world leaders and top business people.

-New Ziana