Debra Matabvu in OSAKA, Japan ZIMBABWE is open to investment, bilateral trade and partnerships that promote sustainable socio-economic development and mutual benefit, President Mnangagwa has said. Addressing Japanese and Zimbabwean business executives at the Zimbabwe Business Forum held on the sidelines of the World Expo 2025 here yesterday, President Mnangagwa urged both countries to strengthen trade relations and unlock new areas of economic cooperation. The forum brought together delegates from key sectors including mining, tourism, hospitality, agriculture and manufacturing. The President, who is leading a high-powered delegation of Government officials and private sector executives, said Zimbabwe is ready to engage investors, promote innovation and remove barriers to doing business. “We are here as businesspeople, entrepreneurs and leaders who understand that opportunity lies not only in what exists today but in what we can build together,” he said. “I have come with a clear and confident message: Zimbabwe is open for business; open to investment; open to trade; open to innovation; and open to partnerships that are focused on sustainable growth and mutual benefit.” President Mnangagwa said concerted efforts must be made to improve the current trade relations between Zimbabwe and Japan so that they match the cordial political relationship that exists between the two countries. “Zimbabwe imports vehicles and their accessories, machinery, mechanical appliances, reactors and boilers from Japan. “Our exports to Japan consist mainly of tobacco, raw hides, skins and nickel. However, there is room for expansion of trade and investment between our two countries. “This business forum presents an opportunity for our business enterprises to explore other areas for the mutual growth and development of our economies.” President Mnangagwa reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to create a stable and predictable business environment, pointing to several reforms that have been implemented to attract foreign investment. He said the Government was “ready to listen” and work with investors to address challenges they may face when planning to invest in the country. “Our country has a sound legal framework that guarantees property rights and numerous investment incentives,” said the President. “These are deliberate actions that reflect our understanding that business needs trust, stability and fairness to succeed. “We stand ready to listen and understand your needs, and to work together to address any perceived bottlenecks that may present challenges in the investment process. “Zimbabwe values the world-renowned expertise, innovation and business excellence, associated with Japan, its businesses and people.” He cited Zimbabwe’s strategic location as a gateway to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, its skilled workforce, abundant natural resources and expanding infrastructure as key advantages for investors. “Zimbabwe perceives its partnership with Japan as an opportunity to utilise its strategic location, highly skilled and educated populace, natural resources and substantial manufacturing expertise,” said President Mnangagwa. “As has been highlighted by the various ministers, Zimbabwe is a beautiful, safe and stable country to invest and do business in. “Our country offers numerous competitive advantages for investors, including our strategic location as a gateway to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) markets, endowed with abundant natural resources and business climate.” The President said various sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure development, renewable energy and technology, offer immense potential for collaboration. He also highlighted Zimbabwe’s expanding value chains in mining and manufacturing, particularly in steel, cement, food processing and pharmaceuticals. President Mnangagwa also pointed to the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) and its one-stop investment centre as a key mechanism to enhance investor convenience and streamline licencing processes. “The Minister of Mines has given a synopsis of what we offer in the mining sector, particularly lithium and platinum,” he said. “Additionally, agriculture, infrastructure development, renewable energy and technology present particularly promising opportunities for collaboration.” The manufacturing sector, the President said, is expanding industrial parks, developing value chains in steel, cement, food processing, as well as pharmaceuticals, and opening the door to investors who want to produce for local and export markets. “We are determined to grow by creating and processing more of what we produce. Whether in mining or agriculture, we are building local value chains that empower our people and offer solid returns to our partners. “Zimbabwe is now more connected, digitised and increasingly integrated into regional and continental markets. “I am, therefore, inviting you all, to make Zimbabwe your investment destination of choice.” President Mnangagwa called on the private sector to match the long-standing government-to-government relations between Zimbabwe and Japan. The forum was attended by several high-level officials, including Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Minister Ambassador Frederick Shava, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, and Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka. They were joined by business delegates from both countries, particularly in the mining, agriculture and manufacturing sectors.