ZIMBABWE has intensified its push to strengthen economic, tourism, and trade relations with India, as Vice President General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga arrived in Surat this morning ahead of the Chalo Zimbabwe Business Engagement.Speaking shortly after landing at Surat International Airport, Vice President Chiwenga outlined Zimbabwe’s interest in forging strategic partnerships with the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce, a region renowned globally for its diamond cutting and polishing industry, which exports over US$5 billion annually.
“We have come here to explore areas of mutual benefit, from diamonds to agriculture, dairy and the cotton value chain, where Gujarat has significant expertise. We also want to establish strong tourism links between Gujarat and Zimbabwe, especially as we prepare to co-host the Cricket World Cup next year with South Africa and Namibia.”
Vice President Chiwenga revealed that Zimbabwe’s new international cricket stadium is nearing completion and will play a central role in the tournament, a development expected to boost tourist inflows and investor interest from India.
Beyond sport, Vice President Chiwenga spotlighted investment opportunities in Zimbabwe’s designated Special Economic Zones, particularly the Victoria Falls free trade area.
The Chalo Zimbabwe Business Engagement, scheduled for this weekend, is expected to cement new trade, industrial, and tourism partnerships. Zimbabwe, which exports tobacco and minerals to India while importing pharmaceuticals, machinery, and manufactured goods, aims to expand this trade to include agriculture, dairy, and renewable energy sectors.
