Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino-Zimpapers Politics Hub
INDIA has hailed Government’s Open for Business policy for availing a favourable environment that has seen an increase in the number of its investors in the small and medium scale sectors of the economy, with more expected this year.
In an interview with Zimpapers Politics Hub, India’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Brahma Kumar said the historical linkages from the 15th century between Indian traders and the Mutapa Kingdom, through to Zimbabwe’s independence, have continued to broaden investment cooperation between the two countries.
Mr Kumar appreciated President Mnangagwa’s policies for moving Zimbabwe towards peaceful nation building and complementing on the two nation’s historical foundations.
“Indian investment is growing gradually and we hope that there are some big-ticket investments coming during this year and the number of Indian passport holders in Zimbabwe is also increasing.
“That shows that Indian small and medium sector companies are also coming. It shows that confidence which Indian businesses have in the policies of His Excellency President Mnangagwa when he says that Zimbabwe is Open for Business,” Ambassador Kumar said.
He said the integration of Indians in Zimbabwean society since 1980 having moved from South Africa and Mozambique during the colonial era has made them citizens that work hard to contribute to the development of the country.
“It was since the 15th and16th centuries where our people-to-people contacts have been continued. During colonial era, in the 19th century, Indians from South Africa and Mozambique came here and they established themselves. When Zimbabwe got independence, they became an integrated part of Zimbabwean society. They are now Zimbabwean citizens contributing positively to the social and economic development of Zimbabwe.
“We appreciate that and the Zimbabwean people for accepting Indians as their brothers and sisters. Complementing on those historical foundations, our relations are growing and expanding in terms of political relations, commercial relations, people-to-people contacts, culture and tourism.”
He said the two countries, both non-aggressive in their foreign policy, will continue working together and contribute to global peace through reciprocal support for each other on international fora.
“India and Zimbabwe have committed to reciprocal support for each other’s candidature to the non-permanent membership of United Nations Security Council and this reflects our strong belief in global peace,” Ambassador Kumar added.
