THE United States has renewed its commitment to strengthening economic ties with Zimbabwe, with US ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Tremont expressing hope for increased American investment and deeper commercial partnerships between the two countries.
Speaking during celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence in Harare on Thursday, Tremont said the United States was keen to expand economic engagement with Zimbabwe, citing shared values of innovation, entrepreneurship and agriculture.
Drawing parallels between the two nations, Tremont said Zimbabwe’s spirit of ubuntu reflected values that transcend borders and had helped strengthen the friendship between the two countries.
“That’s why the US-Zimbabwe friendship continues to grow,” she said.
“And that’s why we’re redoubling our efforts to increase economic engagement between our countries.”
Tremont noted that both countries share deep agricultural traditions, recalling that a John Deere tractor arrived from the United States to then Rhodesia more than a century ago.
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She said the US wanted to see more American companies investing in Zimbabwe while creating partnerships that would benefit both nations.
“We want to see American companies investing here and creating partnerships.
“We want to see Zimbabwean companies accessing American markets and global supply chains.
“We want both our people to benefit from stronger economic ties because when partners work together, everyone wins.”
The ambassador said human capital remained the most important resource for both countries, adding that educated, skilled and determined people were the driving force behind prosperity.
Looking ahead, Tremont said the US hoped Zimbabwe would remain part of America’s future journey as a partner and friend.
“As we look ahead to America’s next 250 years, we hope Zimbabwe will be part of that journey, as partners, as friends, as fellow believers in the power of opportunity and the potential of our people,” she said.
Guest of honour and Foreign Affairs acting minister, Anxious Masuka, acknowledged the support Zimbabwe has received from the US over the years, saying it had contributed significantly to the country’s development.
Masuka said American assistance had supported programmes in key sectors including health, education, agriculture, environmental protection and women’s empowerment.
“The support has been fundamental in the realisation of our goals in the health sector and to scale back infections such as tuberculosis, HIV and Aids, and malaria,” he said.
“The second republic has continued to implement a stable and mature foreign policy founded on solid principles that promote the integrity dignity and prosperity of Zimbabwe.
“And to this end, His Excellency the President, Dr ED Mnangagwa, has led from the front as our chief diplomat by initiating a foreign policy doctrine that encapsulates the very essence of our history, our present and our futuristic desires going forward.”