In a recent interview, Stofring said that guaranteeing the protection of investments would help to boost confidence in the international community.
“I think investors will come when they know that the context is predictable. They are not coming because it’s a bit unpredictable. I don’t think investors would like to come and invest if the framework is not predictable,” she said.
Exodus of investors
Economic observers have pointed out that Zimbabwe’s Indigenisation policy which compels foreign-owned firms with a minimum capital of $500 000 to cede 51 percent of their shareholding to locals, is a threat to foreign investment in the country.
Stofring said Zimbabwe had the cumbersome task of allaying fears among international investors following a decade of political crises that led to the exodus of foreign investors.
Stofring added that the forthcoming elections were crucial as Zimbabwe moved towards regaining the confidence of the international community.
“I think elections in any country are important. The environment has to be peaceful so that people are able to vote for the candidates they see as the best ones to bring Zimbabwe forward.
“The economic future is based on the credibility of the elections. Investors are sort of assessing the context and they will wait maybe until after the election,” she said.
Norway joined the European Union in imposing sanctions on Zimbabwe in 2003 following a series of human rights violations during the 2002 elections.
“I think the next assessment of Zimbabwe by the European Union will be determined in the next election. We are aligning ourselves with the EU decisions,” she said.
Stofring added that it was important for Zimbabwe to ensure the country’s legal framework adequately guaranteed the respect for human rights.
“I think many countries have challenges regarding human rights issues but I think we all have to work towards internationally agreed principles.
“My government would like to commend the country for setting up various commissions such as the Human Rights Commission and I just hope they will be given enough resources to be able to carry out their mandate,” she said.
Dialogue key
Stofring said dialogue between Zimbabwe and the European Union was key in addressing Zimbabwe’s economic challenges. She said her country was dedicated to supporting key sectors in Zimbabwe.
“We are providing humanitarian assistance through the UN system. We are also supporting the health and education sector in Zimbabwe through UNICEF. Norway, together with other donors has also been supporting the COPAC process through the UNDP,” said Stofring.
She expressed satisfaction with progress made so far in the writing of Zimbabwe’s new constitution, which is expected to usher in political reforms that will pave way for free and credible polls
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