Diplomats to boost trade engagement

11 Feb, 2018 - 00:02 0 Views

The Sunday Mail

This year’s edition of the annual Diplomat of the Year Awards is expected to enhance engagement on how the diplomatic community can boost economic activity and trade inflows to Zimbabwe, an official has said.

The diplomatic awards, which have become one of the prime events on the diplomatic calendar, are set for March 16 in Harare.

Last week, founder of the Diplomat of the Year Awards, Mr Reginald Chapfunga, told The Sunday Mail Business that the awards will set the platform for foreign Ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe to explore ways in which they can enhance economic activity in Zimbabwe.

“The awards have evolved over the years from a simple awards night to one of the best platforms for socio, economic and trade engagement.

“Whilst in the formative years we only focussed on honouring outstanding envoys, we later realised that the event is a unique portal to world leaders and over 50 governments represented in Zimbabwe.

It also affords diplomats an opportunity to engage business and community leaders outside the embassy walls,” he said.

He said the Awards’ themes over the last three years reflect the event’s thrust of promoting socio-economic development and engagement.

“Whilst our prime object has remained that of honouring outstanding diplomats who have contributed positively to the development of the country and its people, our themes advocate for trade, development, socio-economic inclusion and engagement. In 2015 our theme was ‘Embracing Trade Promotion and Economic Diplomacy’.

The following year it was, ‘Tourism a driver for economic development and diplomacy’ and last year it was ‘Promoting economic and social inclusion’.

Mr Chapfunga said in support of the new political dispensation’s efforts to put the economy first through re-engagement and economic development, this year’s Diplomat Awards will be held under the theme ‘Global engagement: building nations through dialogue.’

“We now live in a global village and the best way to develop is to engage other villagers.

“Global engagement is the best way to tell the Zimbabwean story. It is the best way to learn from others, reform, market brand Zimbabwe and in turn attract the much needed foreign direct investments,” he said.

“We really thank our corporate partners for carrying us. Besides the economic challenges most of these companies have been facing, they have continued to sponsor the awards. Such support has seen us consistently holding the awards for six consecutive years.

“2018 awards ceremony will be the 7th edition”, said Mr Chapfunga.

The Diplomat of the Year Awards event was established in 2012 and has been successfully held annually since then.

The Awards ceremony has grown to be one of the biggest events on the ambassadorial agenda in Zimbabwe, attracting interest from all Ambassadors accredited to the country.

Last year, the top award went to European Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Philipe VanDamme.

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