Iran, Zimbabwe Seek to Upscale Economic Coop.

Zimbabwe and Iran are ready to increase trade and economic cooperation following the signing of a framework-setting memorandum of understanding at the 9th meeting of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation between Zimbabwe and Iran held in Tehran on Feb. 5.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Ambassador Frederick Shava led Zimbabwe’s team, which included Minister of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Monica Mutsvangwa and Minister of Industry and Commerce Sekai Nzenza, The Herald reported on Tuesday.
Soon after the meeting, Zimtrade and its Iranian counterpart (Trade Promotion Organization of Iran) signed a trade agreement as they continue forging ahead with the implementation of the cooperation agreement.
Shava noted that bilateral relations were on “a remarkable upward trajectory guided by the vision of our two leaders of achieving inclusive economic growth that will uplift the lives of our people”. 
“Our two countries are resolutely united against unilateralism, illegal sanctions and other unjust unilateral measures that have been imposed on us by some Western countries. I urge our two countries to continue to mobilize international support against the inglorious vocality of these countries,” he added. 
While a yardstick for measuring progress in the work of the joint commission was the signing of agreements and memorandums of understanding, the real benefit came when these were diligently implemented.
“Economic cooperation should form an important pillar in our bilateral relations. The level of our economic cooperation is still low. 
“We need to redouble our efforts in this area by concluding negotiations on the enabling legal instruments and agenda items under consideration during this Session of the JPCC. There should not be any further delays in concluding instruments including the MoU on pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, medical education, and health tourism; MoU on cooperation in agriculture; and MoU on small to medium Enterprises,” said Shava. 
The two countries also discussed cooperation in finance and banking, customs administration, broadcasting and publicity, transport, research and innovation exchange as well as arts, sport and cultural co-operation, among other areas. 
Mutsvangwa said her ministry is open to start working on exchange programs and highlighted the massive milestones the Second Republic had achieved in improving the media space. 
She spoke of the freeing up of the airwaves following the licensing of more TV stations in Zimbabwe. 
“I am ready to meet the media institutes here both in print and broadcasting so that we start working together to educate our populace,” she said.
Iran has agreed to deepen relations in various economic areas, including gas and petroleum trade, renewable energy, trade and commerce, mining and industrial cooperation at the JPCC meeting in line with President Mnangagwa’s thrust to improve the economy for the citizenry’s comfort.
Iran is one of the world’s biggest producers of oil and gas, two fledgling industries in northern Zimbabwe where significant deposits have been discovered.
The two countries also discussed cooperation in finance and banking, customs administration, broadcasting and publicity, transport, research and innovation exchange as well as arts, sport and cultural cooperation, among other areas.
Minister of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare Solat Mortazavi said the Iranian government's diplomacy in the economic field is dynamic and intelligent, adding that the growth in commercial cooperation between Iran and Zimbabwe will take place in the short term.
“We consider the presence of the Zimbabwean Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade as the head of the joint cooperation commission of the two countries and a delegation of 60 people from the ministries of Zimbabwe as indicating Zimbabwe willingness to expand cooperation with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Mortazavi was quoted as saying by Africa Newsroom.
“The 13th government’s [led by President Ebrahim Raisi] foreign policy is based on dynamic diplomacy and intelligent interaction with the aim of developing economic capacities and improving the level of trade exchanges,” he added.
Emphasizing the government's strategic view of expanding trade ties and diversifying relations with neighboring countries in the world, Mortazavi said the African continent has a special place in Iran’s active diplomacy.