The continental body
has mooted programmes to aid the growth of Zimbabwe’s agricultural and
health sectors as well as expanding economic programmes in rural
areas.
However, he said the EU had developed a wait and see attitude in the run up to elections.
“In order to complete the process of
re-engagement, we are waiting for the elections.
We are now discussing with the government the priority areas of our
cooperation. The focus could be on health and rural-based economic
development. We think we can improve the productivity of the agricultural
sector in the country,” said Ariccia.
He implored Zimbabwe’s next government to create investor-friendly
policies.
“There is great interest among European investors to
come to Zimbabwe but there is also concern over how certain pieces of
legislation are applied. The investors do not want to run the risk of
their investments being hijacked by political decisions,” said Ariccia.
According to the Ambassador, the EU would have welcomed an invitation to observe
Zimbabwe’s next elections.
“We have always said that the EU is ready to respond to an
invitation. These invitations have not come so we accept that and we
will rely on other observers. Our recommendation was to have as many
 international observers as possible”.
“We very much consider the position of SADC and the
facilitation of South Africa whose work we recognise as extremely
important,” said Ariccia. He said Zimbabwe’s Government of National Unity had made notable
progress in terms of improving the economic and political environment
in the country.
Post published in: News