Zimbabwe, Egypt set to deepen relations

Zimbabwe, Egypt set to deepen relations

Yvonne Mutambwa

In an effort to reshape, re-fashion and deepen relations between Zimbabwe and Egypt, Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Honourable Constantino Chiwenga, recently undertook a business visit the North African economic giant during which he attended various business events.

In an update to Cabinet on Tuesday, Vice President Chiwenga revealed that he attended such events as the 4th Ordinary Session of the Africa Union Specialised Technical Committee on Health, Population and Drug Control and the 1st African Medical Conference and exhibition (Africa. Health Excon).

“Cabinet wishes to advise the nation that the 4th Ordinary Session of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Health, Population and Drug Control was held under the theme “Advancing health security and socio-economic well-being of Africa’s population: Value nutrition as an intervention.

“The Conference deliberated on ensuring equitable access to health technologies, pharmaceuticals and healthcare services. Highlights included the concerns raised over the increasing incidents of drug abuse in Africa, which is negatively impacting the continent’s economic growth,” said Hon Jenfan Muswere as he presented the post Cabinet briefing to the press.

As part of his engagements in Egypt,the Vice President met the Egyptian Prime Minister and the Egyptian Minister of Health and Population, as well as representatives of INTRAPHARMA, the Egyptian Central Pharmaceuticals Company, on the establishment of a 50-50 joint venture pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Zimbabwe.

“Meanwhile, engagements with the Egyptian Prime Minister, Minister of Health and Population, and INTRAPHARMA are expected to result in the relevant Memoranda of Understanding being signed soon.

“A tour of the Egyptian New Administrative City, which the Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care undertook, provided invaluable insights which will be incorporated in the development of Zimbabwe’s own New City in Mt Hampden,” added Hon. Jenfan Muswere

The 1st African Medical Conference and Exhibition (Africa Health Excon) was held under the theme “Your Gate to Innovation and Trade”. During the Excon Panel Discussion, the Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care was able to highlight, among others issues, the need for human capacity development.

Furthermore the Vice President was able to highlight to the Conference the need for self-sufficiency in pharmaceuticals and equipment manufacturing, improvement in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, addressing issues of substance abuse among the youth, and emergency medical response and planning.

In the meantime, the Joint Permanent Commission between Zimbabwe and Egypt will be reconvened to give impetus to areas of cooperation in the fields of Health and Pharmaceuticals, Construction and Agriculture, among others.

Pursuant to the Second Republic’s “Engagement and re-engagement for productivity mantra”, Zimbabwe continues to forge new partnerships and strengthening existing ones with all countries across the globe for mutual benefit in trade and investment.