The Swiss-Zimbabwe Business Chamber a platform that allows businesses from Switzerland and Zimbabwe to engage, share ideas and explore new opportunities.
Stephane Rey,Ambassador for the Embassy of Switzerland to Zimbabwe,Zambia and Malawi at the Switzerland National Day celebration in Harare on 19 September,2024 encouraged Zimbabwean business leaders to join the chamber.
‘’It is not just a networking opportunity, it is a gateway to strengthening economic ties and exploring investment possibilities that could shape the future of both our nations,’’Rey said.
He added that no discussion of bilateral relationship would be complete without addressing the progress made on the issue of compensation for Swiss and European farmers who lost land during Zimbabwe’s land reform in the early 2000s.
He said that while this has been a complex issue, the strides made together have been both commendable and necessary.
He added that as co-chair of the Sector Working Group on Land Tenure Reforms and Compensation, he has had the honour of working closely with Zimbabwe’s Office of the President and Cabinet.
‘’I want to express my appreciation for the bold steps taken, particularly the effective compensation of farmers, including a sizeable number of Swiss citizens.This historic development is not just about financial settlement, it’s about reconciliation and moving forward,”he said.
He added that he is confident that the timely execution of the plan will restore international confidence in Zimbabwe as a destination for investment and a nation that honours its commitments. According to him, the initial disbursements will start being effective next month.
He also said that he was glad to inform that Zimbabwean Treasury had been instructed to start paying out.
The Ambassador said that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, a cornerstone of international humanitarian law.
He added that to commemorate the milestone, they are planning a special event in Zimbabwe later this year, showcasing an exhibition that reflects on the Conventions’ achievements and challenges. ‘’This is a reminder of our shared humanitarian commitments and our resolve to protect those most vulnerable in times of crisis,’’Rey said.
He said that there is need to acknowledge the immediate challenges Zimbabwe faces, particularly the El Niño-induced drought.
He said that this is the worst drought the region has seen in four decades, severely impacting food security for millions.
Switzerland has responded to Zimbabwe’s National Disaster Declaration with action, partnering with Africa Risk Capacity (ARC) to facilitate a drought insurance pay-out of nearly US$ 16 million to Zimbabwe.
Additionally, Switzerland has contributed US$ 2.7 million to the Zimbabwe Humanitarian Appeal. ‘’These are not acts of charity, they are expressions of solidarity, showing that in times of crisis, we stand together,”the Ambassador said.
He also said that he was pleased to announce that the Swiss Embassy will hold consular days in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi in October, to ensure Swiss nationals get the support they need.
He said that they are also planning to launch a new Consulate in Malawi,a further evidence of Switzerland’s commitment to the region.
The Ambassador also said that they have achieved so far in the field of national reconciliation, with the official launch of the Chiefs’ process in Matabeleland earlier this year.
Acting Permanent Secretary for the Zimbabwe Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development,Mike Chigiji said at the National Day celebration that it is noteworthy that even during trying times in the country, such as the fallout from Zimbabwe’s Land Reform Programme, Switzerland continued to be robustly engaged with us.
He said that the Government of Zimbabwe deeply appreciates that Switzerland remained true to its centuries-old tradition of neutrality and gave constructive counsel and support as “a neutral bridge-builder”.
He said that Swiss companies are the leading European investors in Zimbabwe, with investments that span the agriculture, manufacturing, food processing industry and tourism sectors.
‘’These are areas in which your country has vast expertise and is a global leader. These companies, which include Nestlé, Lafarge-Holcim, Bata Shoe Company, Pure Africa, ABB, Schindler, Syngenta and Organic Africa, are known country-wide and their products and services are popular brands that Zimbabweans use or access every day,” he said.
He added that the companies are contributing significantly to income generation, increasing export earnings, creating employment in the country and improving livelihoods.
He said that Swiss companies based in Zimbabwe established the Swiss-Zimbabwe Business Chamber to promote trade and investment between Switzerland and Zimbabwe in 2021.
He congratulated the Ambassador for facilitating the very progressive development.
He added that this is a clear validation that Zimbabwe is truly open for business.
‘’We are delighted about the ever-growing confidence in Switzerland that Zimbabwe is a safe and attractive investment destination,’’he said.
He added that in April 2022, President Emmerson Mnangagwa commissioned a Medical Cannabis Farm and Processing Plant in Mount Hampden, in which a Swiss-based company, Biocieuticals Limited, invested US$27 million.
He said that they welcome more Swiss companies to do business in Zimbabwe.
He said that they are heartened that in addition to being a top investment partner in Zimbabwe, Switzerland also has a sizeable footprint as a development cooperation partner in this country.
He said that through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Switzerland trebled its budget to support Zimbabwe’s agriculture, climate change response and health, including combating the COVID-19 pandemic and social protection, from US$4 million in 2021 to US$12 million in 2022.
He added that Switzerland, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, is also supporting the capacity strengthening of Independent Commissions so that they can better deliver on their mandates.
Switzerland is also supporting efforts to clear the Sengwe Wildlife Corridor.
Chigiji said that not only is this saving precious lives, but it is also improving access to agricultural land for people in that area and enhancing conservation.
“We also recognize your support for the Museum of African Liberation, which will keep the legacy of the journey of African countries to freedom alive for posterity. Your Excellency, I wish to express our tremendous appreciation for the Swiss Arts and Culture Programme for Zimbabwe, an initiative that is designed to empower Zimbabwean artists, including through fostering collaboration with their Swiss counterparts,”Chigiji said.
He said that the Government of Zimbabwe is most grateful for the interventions and many others, which are making a significant and positive impact on the lives of thousands of Zimbabweans.
Switzerland has also been supporting Zimbabwe’s efforts towards debt resolution and arrears settlement for the country to resume a good working relationship with its international creditors.
