Source: Zim, Tajikistan escalate trade, investment ties – herald
Mukudzei Chingwere in DUSHANBE, Tajikistan
TAJIKISTAN President Emomali Rahmon has been charmed by the investment climate and mutually beneficial economic collaboration that Zimbabwe has to offer following an impressive pitch by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
The Tajikistan leader has thus requested a meeting with President Mnangagwa to give further impetus to the envisaged collaboration.
Vice President Chiwenga is in the Central Asian country for economic cooperation meetings with the hosts and has also taken advantage of the ongoing International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation to further engage and cement relations with Tajikistan.
Early indications are that Zimbabwe is targeting to tap into Tajikistan’s leading capacities and technology in power generation, with this coming at the most opportune moment ahead of an envisaged surge in energy consumption as the economy continues to grow towards empowered upper-middle income economy status.
Speaking to journalists after meeting President Rahmon, VP Chiwenga said his delegation had made a telling impression on the hosts thus the need to get commitments from the highest office in the land and drive through the invitation being extended to President Mnangagwa.
“We discussed a wide range of issues, highlighting the growing closeness between Zimbabwe and Tajikistan through our political and diplomatic cooperation, and now we are advancing into the economic sphere,” said VP Chiwenga.
“This is our second visit, focusing on economic collaboration, and several Memoranda of Understanding are in the pipeline and will be finalised soon.
“We are particularly interested in the energy sector, as Tajikistan is renowned for its green energy initiatives.
“Currently ranked amongst the best in the world, they will move up further once their dam under construction is completed. This is crucial for Zimbabwe, as no country can develop without energy”.
Additionally, he said, Tajikistan has valuable experience in agriculture, which Zimbabwe seeks to explore further.
“We also discussed various other topics. President Rahmon extended his greetings to President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and invited him to Tajikistan to expedite the implementation of our discussions.
“They are eager to share their knowledge in any area of our interest, reinforcing the understanding between our two countries,” said VP Chiwenga.
The visit by the VP is part of Zimbabwe’s broader economic diplomatic offensive anchored on consolidating international collaboration and exploring new frontiers.
It also coincides with Tajikistan hosting the International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation and President Rahmon’s decision to briefly leave the UN summit for an audience with VP Chiwenga shows the seriousness with which the two parties are treating the cooperation discussions.
This envisaged collaboration comes at a crucial time for Zimbabwe, as the country seeks to revitalise its economy.
Currently, part of Zimbabwe’s energy needs are met through imports, underscoring the urgency of developing local capacities. Renowned for its commitment to green energy, Tajikistan ranks among the top countries in hydropower generation and is poised to elevate its position further with the completion of the Rogun Hydropower Project.
Additionally, the two countries are expected to finalise several Memorandums of Understanding soon that will lay the groundwork for cooperative projects in energy, agriculture, and environmental management.
These agreements will facilitate knowledge exchange and technology transfer, fostering sustainable development in Zimbabwe.
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