Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere in NEW DELHI, India
VICE PRESIDENT Dr Constantino Chiwenga concluded his working visit to India with a call for Zimbabwe’s private sector to take advantage of the growing interest from Indian investors in key sectors such as agriculture, mining, tourism.
In an interview before his departure from New Delhi, VP Chiwenga described the visit, which began in Surat in the State of Gujarat and ended in the Indian capital, as highly productive.
“My working visit in India was a success,” he said. “What makes me happier is that there is huge potential for our collaboration and increased investment.” He said several Indian businesses expressed eagerness to see direct flights between Harare and New Delhi, a development expected to strengthen trade and connectivity.
“Many businesses talked of their eagerness to have the introduction of direct flights from India to Harare, which will greatly enhance our trade connectivity,” he said. “The expected arrival of Indian investors to establish a sugar value chain that can invigorate our local economy and our entire sugar value chain is a welcome move. We are also expecting to start the local assembly of buses and trucks soon.
“Now our businesses, including our subsistence farmers, must come together to approach the Indian market for opportunities. By collaborating, we can supply a wide array of products as a unified group.”
He indicated that agriculture, tourism and manufacturing drew significant investor interest. Indian companies, he added, were not only focused on capital investment but also committed to knowledge transfer, which he described as vital for Zimbabwe’s long-term growth and development.
“I am particularly pleased with the interest expressed in agriculture, tourism and various other sectors. Moreover, I was heartened by their desire for knowledge transfer, which was clearly articulated during our engagements in Surat and New Delhi.
“This exchange of expertise is vital for our growth and development.”
During the visit, discussions underscored Zimbabwe’s potential to expand its cotton exports. India produces about 5,5 million tonnes of cotton annually while consuming 5,39 million tonnes of cotton lint per year, creating a ready market for Zimbabwean cotton. In his engagements, the Vice President also pointed to growing opportunities in agriculture, noting that India’s bean consumption is projected to reach six million tonnes by 2026.
This demand, coupled with Gujarat State’s large population of over 73,5 million people, of whom 62 percent are vegetarians, creates potential for Zimbabwe to export non-meat protein substitutes and other agricultural produce.
In his engagements with Indian business leaders, Dr Chiwenga stressed that Zimbabwe’s abundant natural resources, combined with its strategic location within Southern Africa, make it an attractive destination for investors seeking regional markets.
