Online Reporter
Mukudzei Chingwere in New Delhi, India
ZIMBABWE is seeking actionable outcomes that can immediately impact the economy, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga said upon arrival in New Delhi for the 20th India-Africa Business Conclave, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry, which begins this morning.
Vice President Chiwenga, who is leading a multi-sectoral delegation, stated that the team aims to leverage India’s existing investment footprint in Zimbabwe to attract further investment and inject momentum into national economic growth.
Prior to arriving in New Delhi, Vice President Chiwenga spent several days in Surat, in Gujarat State, where he was hosted by the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce. The visit formed part of the chamber’s initiative to explore opportunities in Zimbabwe’s key sectors, including diamond beneficiation, the cotton industry, agriculture, and skills development.
Attention now turns to the high-profile and well-resourced India-Africa Business Conclave, through which the world’s fourth-largest economy is seeking opportunities across the African continent.
“We had a successful working visit in Surat, where we were invited by the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce, and there are various sectors in which we will be collaborating. We are aware that they excel in diamond value addition, with approximately 90 percent of the world’s diamonds processed there.
“We are exploring partnerships to enhance value addition of our diamonds within Zimbabwe, as well as securing direct sales to the market, bypassing third-party intermediaries.
“In agriculture, we are focused on boosting cotton production, given India’s strength in the textile industry. Our cotton sector must begin value addition at the point of production.
“For example, cotton grown in Tsholotsho was previously marketed in Gokwe, but we now want value addition processes to take place closer to the farmers, for the benefit of local communities.
“We produce excellent lint, and we want it processed in Zimbabwe.
“Now, at the Conclave here in New Delhi, I have brought a multi-sectoral delegation representing various sectors, including ministries and State entities.
“Our goal is to achieve actionable outcomes. We can start small, but whatever is agreed upon must be implemented.
“India has made significant investments in Zimbabwe and across Africa, but we are seeking more to support the development of our economy.
“We want to strengthen our productive sectors through value addition to create jobs for our people. The main thrust of this mission is actionable outcomes — we want results,” said Vice President Chiwenga.
The Vice President is accompanied by his wife, Colonel Miniyothabo Chiwenga; the Minister of Skills Audit and Development, Professor Paul Mavima; and Deputy Ministers including Sleiman Kwidini (Health and Child Care), Simelisizwe Sibanda (Higher and Tertiary Education), Yeukai Simbanegavi (Energy and Power Development), and Vangelis Haritatos (Agriculture).
Also part of the delegation are the Deputy Chief Secretary in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Engineer Amos Marawa; Permanent Secretaries; and representatives from several State entities.
