HARARE Sweden is working to improve relations and increase trade with Zimbabwe as the southern African country battles to emerge from a decade of acute recession and political turmoil, Swedish ambassador Stan Rylander has said. Stockholm and its European Union (EU) allies have maintained visa and financial sanctions against President Robert Mugabe and top officials of his Zanu (PF) party as punishment for stealing elections, failure to uphold the rule of law and human rights.
But Harare and Brussels have begun moves to restore normal relations following formation of a unity government by Mugabe, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Deputy Premier Arthur Mutambara.
The seven month-old unity government that is seen as the best opportunity in years for Zimbabwe to end its multi-faceted crises has promised to implement economic and democratic reforms.
Rylander told a business meeting in Harare last weekend that Swedish companies were ready to invest in Zimbabwe, adding that normalisation of relations would help pave way for foreign businesses including from Sweden to invest in the African country.
We are making efforts to increase trade with Zimbabwe, Rylander told a meeting at which Swedish company, Erickson and Chinas ZTE announced conclusion of a deal to supply U$170 million worth of equipment to Zimbabwes biggest mobile phone operator, Econet Wireless, for the expansion of its network.
The investment is projected to increase Econets subscriber base of three million to over five million in the next few months.
We are doing that in preparation for re-engagement, the Swedish diplomat added. You will remember we are in the process of re-engagement and if we are luck we will re-engage. So there is nothing that can prevent Swedish companies from investing in Zimbabwe.
Post published in: News