United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Harry Thomas Jnr says America and Zimbabwe have good trade relations with the southern African country enjoying a trade surplus last year despite targeted sanctions imposed on President Robert Mugabe and his inner circle more than 10 years ago.
Responding to questions from the public at a function organised by social media enterprise, 263 Chat, Ambassador Thomas Jnr said last year Zimbabwe exported goods worth $65 million to the U.S.
Ambassador Thomas Jnr said he is working on improving trade between the two countries.
Zimbabwe is America’s 164th trading partner in the world. As for the targeted sanctions, Ambassador Thomas Jr said the United States president Barack Obama and the U.S Senate could only review them on the back of genuine economic and political reforms.
Ambassador Thomas Jnr, who earlier met the visiting IMF delegation, said it was America’s wish that the Zimbabwean government clarifies its economic policies and tackle corruption so as to attract meaningful investment.
He said the United States remained Zimbabwe’s biggest donor and had this year provided $55 million in food aid and security and was spending millions of dollars in fighting HIV/AIDS.
Ambassador Thomas Jnr said apart from Nigeria, Zimbabwe received more U.S scholarships than any other country on the African continent.
Ambassador Thomas Jnr also said he hoped the U.S government would continue the Mandela-Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders even after President Obama leaves office next January.
About 60 young Zimbabweans left the country today for the program. They will be attached to various universities and other institutions before meeting President Obama.