ZIMBABWE’S drive to expand global trade and investment ties took centre stage at the historic Chalo Zimbabwe Business Engagement Forum, hosted by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) in Surat, India, this Saturday.

The phrase Chalo Zimbabwe translates to “Let’s Go to Zimbabwe” in Hindi, encapsulating the central message Vice President, General (Rtd) Dr Constantino Chiwenga, conveyed to Indian investors and business leaders gathered at the event.

Zimbabwe reaffirmed its openness to business, presenting a wide array of opportunities to Indian investors across various sectors of its resource-rich economy.

The forum attracted prominent Indian industrialists, investors, and government officials, serving as a dynamic platform to showcase Zimbabwe as a prime destination for investment and to strengthen bilateral economic ties.

Addressing participants, Vice President Chiwenga highlighted the government’s reform agenda designed to create an enabling investment environment.

“The Government of Zimbabwe has created an enabling environment for business. Through bold reforms under the mantra ‘Zimbabwe is Open for Business,’ we have implemented measures to improve the Ease of Doing Business, including the establishment of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), a One-Stop Investment Centre that guarantees investor facilitation within 24 hours. We offer investment protection guarantees, tax incentives for priority sectors, and full repatriation of dividends, backed by a commitment to policy consistency and predictability. The message is clear to you all, Zimbabwe is ready for investment, partnership, and shared prosperity. Let Chalo Zimbabwe be the catalyst for a new era of trade and economic collaboration between Zimbabwe and India. Together, we can build resilient value chains, unlock innovation-driven growth, and create sustainable wealth for future generations. Come to Zimbabwe, invest, partner, and grow with us,” he said.

The response from Indian business people, led by the organisers of the event, the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been overwhelming.

The message has been loud and clear, Chalo Zimbabwe, let’s go to Zimbabwe, not just in words but in action.

If the response from the Indian industry here in Surat is anything to go by, this could be the beginning of a long journey of shared prosperity.