Tourism and Hospitality Minister, Prisca Mupfumira has called on Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom to join hands with the government in marketing brand Zimbabwe and to be involved in every sphere of the economy.
Mupfumira who is on re-engagement tour of the UK said diasporans are a critical asset to the promotion of destination Zimbabwe.
“Your proximity to the market makes you the applicable marketers and ambassadors in varied markets. The government accepts and appreciates the important contribution from you my brothers and sisters to the development of the country.
“I would like you to know that we in the Government want to deepen our engagement with you beyond remittances in order to make you feel at home whether you are here or back in Zimbabwe. The New Government is committed to giving high priority in addressing issues affecting the diaspora,” said Mupfumira.
She noted that government has made a deliberate effort in mainstreaming the diaspora in the developmental agenda of the new dispensation by creating an enabling environment.
“This is the time to explore opportunities to invest and launch successful Zimbabwean led businesses and enterprises. Bring back the intellectual capital earned from your wide ranging interactions in the diaspora for the creation of the well needed jobs back home.
“I know most of us are carrying the ills of the past which have created a dented picture of Zimbabwe in our hearts and minds…I would want to encourage you to forget the past and put our heads together for the development of Zimbabwe,” pleaded Mupfumira.
The President Emmerson Mnangagwa led government has been on a global offensive to lure investors into the country while urging Zimbabweans in the diaspora to market the heavily tainted image of the country.
On his inauguration day on November 24 last year, Mnangagwa said “For close to two decades now, this country went through many developments. While we cannot change the past, there is a lot we can do in the present and the future to give our nation a different positive direction. As we do so, we should never remain hostages to our past.
“Thus, I humbly appeal to all of us that we let bygones be bygones, readily embracing each other in defining a new destiny. The task at hand is to rebuilding our great country. It principally lies with none but ourselves. We must work together, you me and all of us that make us Zimbabwe.”
On the tourism front, Victoria Falls has been earmarked as a Tourism Special Economic Zone offering tax holidays for individuals and companies keen to invest in world class tourism facilities and services.
