Friday, March 01, 2013

Zimbabwe Signs Memorandum of Understanding With Emirate of Ras Al Khaimar

Emirate of Ras Al Khaimar, Zim sign MoU

Friday, 01 March 2013 00:00
Faith Mazodza Herald Reporter

Zimbabwe and the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimar of the United Arab Emirates yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together in six areas of cooperation.

The areas covered under the MoU include mining, health, energy, tourism, agriculture and industry and commerce.

Zimbabwe was represented by Vice President Joice Mujuru while Sheikh Saud Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi stood in for Ras Al Khaimar.

Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu signed another MoU on behalf of Zimbabwe with a representative of Ras Resources (LLC) Farzana Gul.

Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Retired-Colonel Christian Katsande who officiated at the signing ceremony said sector specific MoUs were expected to be signed in the next two weeks.

“Terms relating to sector specific MoUs must be agreed by March 14. The Government is expected to analyse the remaining MoUs in the next 14 days,” he said.

Speaking at a dinner hosted for him by VP Mujuru on Wednesday, Sheikh Saud who is also a member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates said there were vast business opportunities in Zimbabwe.

He expressed interest to partner with Zimbabwean businesspeople for the benefit of the two countries.

“Zimbabwe has a lot of potential to do better,” he said.

“In today’s world it is important to work with other nations. That is how countries develop.”

Sheikh Saud has been in Zimbabwe on a-four-day State visit to explore business opportunities in the country.

During his visit, Sheikh Saud held meetings with several Government officials including Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, Health and Child Welfare Minister Henry Madzorera, Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister Joseph Made, Industry and commerce Minister Welshman Ncube, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr Gideon Gono and representatives from the energy sector.

He also toured the National Heroes Acre where he laid a wreath on the tomb of the Unknown Soldier before visiting Alpha Omega Dairy Farm, the Amai Grace Mugabe Children’s Home in Mazowe and Boka Tobacco Auction Floors.

The United Arab Emirates are part of top five countries that buy Zimbabwean tobacco. Sheikh Saud hailed First Lady Amai Mugabe’s efforts at the Amai Grace Mugabe Children’s Home. Amai Mugabe told the visiting Sheikh that she was looking at establishing a university at the home after getting more land from Mashonaland Central Governor and Resident Minister Martin Dinha.

Amai Mugabe has since built a primary school that had its first enrolment this year.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Saud and his delegation left Zimbabwe yesterday for their home country. They were seen off at the Harare International Airport by VP Mujuru, Cabinet ministers and several senior Government officials.

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