Indian business delegation open for opportunities ...

Indian business delegation open for opportunities with Zim counterparts

**Ambassador Kumar (C) with CII delegates visiting Harare**

zim Now Reporter

A high-level business delegation from India, under the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), was welcomed to Zimbabwe at a cocktail party held at the Indian Ambassador’s residence on Sunday evening.

The 11 member delegation has representatives spanning different sectors including digital technology, training, solar power products, agro production and processing as well as legal and financing consultancy.

Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Raj Modi, addressing the gathering, emphasized that Zimbabwe is ready to boost its economic ties with India, underscoring the nation’s favorable business environment.

“We are excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to growing our two nations' economic ties. Zimbabwe offers a dynamic environment for business growth, supported by ongoing reforms designed to encourage investment and foster industrial growth,” the Deputy Minister stated.

The Deputy Minister highlighted Zimbabwe's strategic location within the SADC region and its conducive business climate, particularly under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. She called on Indian investors to seize the opportunity to contribute to the country's economic revival.

“Our President has been clear: Zimbabwe is open for business. We urge Indian investors to bring value-adding investments into our various sectors,” he said.

The delegation which started off their one day local meetings with a visit to Vice President Constantino’s office this Monday morning, indicated that they are hoping to find local partners interested in their fields for win-win partnerships.

The representative of India Africa Bank indicated that the financial institution has a ready facility for lines of credit to give life to viable proposals.

Echoing the Deputy Minister's sentiments, Ambassador of India to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Bramha Kumar, welcomed the visiting Indian business delegation and praised Zimbabwe’s growing economic potential.

“Let me thank you for accepting my invitation to interact with the Indian delegation, here to explore business opportunities in Zimbabwe,” the Ambassador said.

Ambassador Kumar noted that although the historical relationship between India and Zimbabwe is strong, bilateral trade figures have not yet reached their full potential.

“Bilateral trade and commerce do not yet reflect the opportunities available between our two countries. There is immense potential, and we are here to explore how we can unlock that,” he stated.

India's private sector investment in Zimbabwe has already surpassed USD 600 million, with companies such as Varun Beverages, Parrogate (Zimgold), and Surface Wilmar making significant contributions. Ambassador Kumar mentioned that Indian businesses directly employ 5,000 people and 20,000 indirectly in Zimbabwe, numbers expected to grow as more Indian firms engage with the country. “Indian companies are here to stay, and there is room for many more,” he added.

The event marked the beginning of further dialogues between the Indian delegation and Zimbabwean stakeholders, with discussions expected to focus on sectors like pharmaceuticals, mining, textiles, ICT, and infrastructure.

Both the Deputy Minister and the Ambassador expressed optimism about the potential for new partnerships that would bring prosperity to both nations.

The Deputy Minister assured the delegation of Zimbabwe’s commitment to making their visit productive and rewarding.

“The relationships built today will lead to mutually beneficial ventures for both our countries,” he affirmed, setting the tone for the group’s discussions and engagements.