Malaysia seeks stronger economic ties with Zim 

Source: Malaysia seeks stronger economic ties with Zim – herald

Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent

MALAYSIA has expressed commitment to deepening economic and diplomatic relations with Zimbabwe through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme Alumni, with a strong focus on investment promotion, trade and skills development.

Speaking at the MTCP alumni reception in Harare yesterday, Malaysian Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, Mr Aniff Fauzi, said Zimbabwe’s improving business environment had opened new opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.

He said Malaysia was engaging local business leaders and institutions to attract Malaysian investors into Zimbabwe, particularly under the Second Republic’s engagement and re-engagement drive.

“For the past few years, to be frank with you, I have seen a massive transformation of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is open for business and it is really very forthcoming,” said Mr Fauzi.

“As I speak now, behind the scenes, we have been talking with businesspeople to get Malaysian investment to come to Zimbabwe to explore new opportunities.”

Mr Fauzi said support from MTCP alumni occupying senior positions in the government and institutions would help strengthen bilateral cooperation.

“With your support and input also, I think the work that we are doing could be solidified further,” he said.

Mr Fauzi commended Zimbabwean alumni for contributing to stronger diplomatic ties between Zimbabwe and Malaysia through their participation in various training programmes.

“Malaysia and Zimbabwe enjoy very warm and cordial relations since the establishment of diplomatic relations,” he said. “I strongly believe that the strength of our relations has been contributed by your participation in MTCP courses.”

He said alumni had played a significant role in raising Malaysia’s profile in Zimbabwe and fostering closer cooperation between the two nations.

“Silently or directly, you are very instrumental in increasing the profile of Malaysians in Zimbabwe and working hard behind closed doors to enhance our relations to a greater height,” he said.

Mr Fauzi also encouraged alumni members to take an active role in the association through voluntary service and leadership renewal.

He said the embassy was planning to host a Malaysian Food Festival later this year as part of efforts to strengthen cultural exchanges and promote tourism under the “Visit Malaysia 2036” campaign.

“We want you to continue remembering Malaysia as a place not only for learning, but also for tourism, leisure and business,” he said.

Zimbabwe MTCP Alumni Association chairperson Mr Conwell Tumbare said membership to the association was automatic for Zimbabweans who had undergone training in Malaysia under the programme.

“For someone to be a member of the alumni, you need first of all to be trained in Malaysia.

“Once you participate in the MTCP Malaysian training programmes, automatically you become a member,” he said.

Mr Tumbare said the Malaysian Government fully funded the training programmes, including travel, accommodation, allowances and transport costs.

“No money is paid by participants. Everything — allowances, hotels, stay and transport during the programme — is catered for by the Government of Malaysia,” he said.

He said opportunities for training were channelled through Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade before being distributed to Government ministries and departments through the Public Service Commission.

“So far, almost 350 Zimbabweans have benefited from training in Malaysia in various fields, including local government, business and other disciplines,” said Mr Tumbare.

He said the programmes had helped Zimbabweans establish regional business networks and acquire skills beneficial to national development.

“I had an opportunity to meet different people from various countries in Africa, such as Zambia and Malawi. Already, I now have contacts to do business with them within the region,” Mr Tumbare said.

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