Heather Charema in Norton
RUSSIAN investors have expressed interest in investing in horticulture production in Norton, a senior Government official has said.

According the Special Advisor to the President Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa, a deal will be finalised next month.

In an interview, Cde Mutsvangwa said Russia was a major market for fruits and vegetables.

“Russians want to invest in Norton and a team of investors have already shown interest in fruits and vegetable production.

“Russia has a major market for fruits and vegetables because it is highly dependent on imported ones owing to its winters.

This will be a major investment and the second one in Africa after Egypt,” he said.

Cde Mutsvangwa said Zimbabwe has potential to export fresh fruits and vegetables to Russia if agricultural areas were oriented.

“Zimbabwe has great potential to export fruits and vegetables to other countries while meeting Russia’s demands.

“This means that we must orient agricultural areas in the country and properly utilise our resources. Norton’s abundance of water in the Darwendale area can prove to be beneficial as far as agriculture is concerned,” he said.

He said Norton was also conveniently located for business.

“Norton is well positioned in the country, being along the Harare-Bulawayo Highway.

“It is also near the two major airports in the country. Goods that need transportation can reach any desired destination without any hustles either by road, rail or air.

Russians have also shown interest in the mining sector and this comes with creation of employment for youths in Norton.

The President is calling for 100 percent employment for youths and I am confident that Norton will meet his target,” said Cde Mutsvangwa.

Cde Mutsvangwa was recently in Russia.

Under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, Zimbabwe has opened its doors for investment as it seeks to turnaround the economy and create employment for youths.