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Mukudzei Chingwere in SURAT, Gujarat State, India
A LEADING Indian business lobby group with members controlling funds worth billions of dollars will this weekend host an investment expo dedicated to exploring opportunities in Zimbabwe.
The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI), an umbrella body representing multi-sectoral businesses in India’s Gujarat State, is leveraging strong fraternal relations between the two countries to promote mutually beneficial economic cooperation.
In a rare move, the lobby group has organised a single-country conference focused exclusively on Zimbabwe, which it believes will generate concrete investment opportunities and agreements.
India, the world’s fourth-largest economy, has joined the global race for new investment destinations and has identified Zimbabwe as a safe and promising market.
The initiative comes as President Mnangagwa continues to roll out policies aimed at transforming Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy, with investment as a key driver.
Speaking to journalists, SGCCI president Mr Nikhil Madrasi said the event is designed to provide Zimbabwe with premium visibility and targeted investor engagement.
“Zimbabwe has been identified as a key focus for this initiative because of its strategic position in the southern African region, its abundant natural resources that includes gold, platinum and lithium,” said Mr Madrasi.
“Zimbabwe offers significant opportunities for trade, investment and industrial collaboration particularly in the agricultural, mining, manufacturing and technology sectors.
“Additionally, Zimbabwe’s growing economy coupled with its longstanding diplomatic ties with India makes it an ideal partner for strengthening bilateral relations and fostering sustainable long-term partnerships.
“We want to connect Indian investors with the Zimbabwean market and also we are encouraging Indian businesses to invest in Zimbabwe because we feel it’s a safe investment destination.”
The Government has welcomed the SGCCI initiative and is preparing to send a high-powered multi-sectoral delegation to the expo to present a compelling investment case.
The composition of the delegation is expected to be confirmed in the coming days.
Online Reporter