The 10th anniversary for ZimExpo UK, held in Leicester concluded on a very positive note.

Oct. 19, 2011 - PRLog -- Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara and Chairman for African Economic Development Strategies, Tafadzwa Musarara were guest speakers, Deputy Ambassador Cecil Chinenere as well as Hon. Minister Saviour Kasukuwere who attended via teleconference.

Some of the key concerns that were brought up during the discussions include;
-   How the diaspora can participate in the indigenization program;
-   How to obtain financial assistance to start a business;
-   Access to  investment opportunities;
-   Dual citizenship;
-   The ability to vote.

Hon. Minister Kasukuwere, encouraged attendees to mobilize and combine resources on a shared platform that can present specific challenges (to his ministry or the appropriate office) to intervene and create best practices for everyone to learn from.  The first day of the forum ended with a recommendation for the appointment of a Diaspora Member of Parliament or a Ministry of the Diaspora in the Zimbabwean Government, which was overwhelmingly approved by forum attendees.

In addition, Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara specifically addressed the forum on the role that the diaspora plays in the economic development of Zimbabwe. “The State has to partner with the diaspora to define the vision for Zimbabwe that is shared by all.” The forum concluded with the Deputy Prime Minister endorsement of a Diaspora Committee to be a united voice that will champion the needs of the diaspora. An interim executive committee was put in place to begin working on the framework for the organization.

Congratulations to Faith Nhemachena who was crowned Miss Zimbabwe 2011, Jacqueline Tinkenawo, first princess and Gumisai Makombe as second princess. Miss Zimbabwe UK 2010 Gabriella Mudhliwa handed over her crown and will continue the charitable initiatives that she has been working on throughout the year.

A special thanks to the following partners for their valuable participation, African Queen Design - www.africanqueen1.co.uk,  Bhundu Girl Clothing, Chenai Chic - www.chenai-chic.co.uk , Maranatha Shelter - www.maranathashelter.org, Glamglory Independent Make up artists, Sogcissor Hair Salon and Zim Online Radio - www.zimonlineradio.com