The Brazilian government is prepared to impart agricultural skills and knowledge to Zimbabweans to revamp local production, a diplomat said on Tuesday.

Speaking after paying a courtesy call on Vice President John Nkomo, Brazilian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Raul de Taunay said cooperation between the two countries in the agriculture sector could be increased.

De Taunay said Brazil, which had one of the biggest and most advanced plantation and irrigation systems in the world, could assist Zimbabwe develop an efficient system of production.

"Presently Brazil is hosting people from the grain board and there will be an exchange and sharing of notes," he said.

He said the agriculture sector in Zimbabwe could benefit from Brazil which was feeding 40 percent of the world with its produce.

Zimbabwe had vast potential and should not be a beneficiary humanitarian assistance, he said.
"Brazil has lately been active in Africa and Zimbabwe is one of the nations that deserve all our attention," he said.

De Taunay called for speedy implementation of agreements in various fields to promote sustainable development.

Meanwhile, U. S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe Charles Ray, who met Vice President Nkomo after de Taunay, said his country remained committed to finding areas of cooperation.

Despite pledging support to the inclusive government, the United States and its allies including Britain have not lifted illegal sanctions they imposed on the country.

"We want to re-engage with the rest of the world, Zimbabwe included and that is one of my main objective and tasks," said Ray.

Commenting on the inclusive government, Ray said there was a lot of potential for progress. He said the United States was still assessing areas of cooperation.

By Staff reporter and agencies