Zim-India ties strong

Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent

India and Zimbabwe are set to continue strengthening trade ties, paving way for major investments in a bid to enhance economic cooperation.

Last week India’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Bramha Kumar met Permanent Secretary for Industry and Commerce Dr Thomas Utete Wushe to discuss strategies for boosting bilateral trade and investment.

During the high-level meeting, Ambassador Kumar said India had growing confidence in Zimbabwe’s investment landscape.

“The prospects of doing business in Zimbabwe are improving steadily, as seen by the increasing number of Indian expatriates in the country,” he said.

He wanted both Governments to accelerate the implementation of key agenda items agreed upon during the Joint Trade Commission meeting held in May last year.

The discussions focused on priority sectors, including pharmaceuticals and healthcare, mining, agriculture and agritech, textiles, science and technology, and capacity-building.

Ambassador Kumar said India had a technical and economic cooperation scholarship programme which has provided over 250 Zimbabwean Government officials with fully sponsored opportunities to enhance their skills.

He was optimistic about major investment projects, including a partnership between Jindal Steel and Power and ZESA Holdings as well as a collaboration between RITES and the National Railways of Zimbabwe.

The projects, he said, had the potential to significantly boost Zimbabwe’s infrastructure and industrial growth.

Dr Wushe welcomed India’s continued commitment to Zimbabwe’s economic development acknowledging the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.

“India is a key strategic partner under our look east policy, and we recognise the vast potential for mutual growth and prosperity,” he said.

He assured Indian investors of Zimbabwe’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment, improving the ease of doing business and offering incentives for foreign direct investment.

“Zimbabwe offers a strategic location and abundant opportunities for investment. We invite Indian businesses to take advantage of this and expand their footprint across the continent.”