The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has not invited Zimbabwe to the United Kingdom-Africa Investment summit opening on Monday next week, a move which shows that relations between the two countries are still frosty.
Steve Hanke, an internationally-renowned economic expert wrote on his Twitter handle that Zimbabwe was snubbed because of its disrespect for property rights. Said Hanke:
On January 20, the UK will host the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London. Zimbabwe was not invited. Is Zimbabwe open for business? No! Without strong property rights and public safety, foreign investment is impossible to come by.
Meanwhile, Acting Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, George Charamba on Tuesday told NewsDay that as a sovereign country, Britain can invite countries it would like to attend the summit.
The Summit is expected to be hosted by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
It (the Summit) brings together businesses, governments and international institutions across Africa.