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A 15-member business delegation from India came into the country on the 27th of April 2021, on an exploratory mission to identify potential investment opportunities and areas of synergy between Zimbabwe and India. Such interventions are critical platforms that seek to strengthen bilateral relations across various sectors, as well as possible collaboration between the two countries. The delegation held meetings with key stakeholders in Harare, Bulawayo as well as Victoria Falls, which culminated in a Zimbabwe India Business Conference held at a local hotel on the 5th of May, where a total of 20 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with key organizations were signed.
The one-day business conference was attended by the Indian Ambassador HE Vijay Khanduja, The Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Hon Raj Modi as well as several Industry captains and heads of organizations. The President of the Indian Economic Trade Organization Dr. Asif Iqbal is pleased with the fruitful engagements they had over the past week and said “We are keen to invest in almost every sector in Zimbabwe, and plan to return come back with a 50 member delegation in the month of September.”
Speaking at the event Ambassador Vijay Khanduja said ‘In Zimbabwe, the population is highly educated with a disciplined workforce, and with the IMF projecting India as expected to have a double-digit growth, Zimbabwe has managed to gain some stability on inflation in the recent past, therefore making the country ripe as an investment destination”
Out of the MOUs signed yesterday, it was interesting to find that there was one focused on Women and signed by the President of the Zimbabwe India Women’s Business Council Dr. Eldrette Shereni. When asked for comment on this groundbreaking MOU, Dr. Shereni said – “Women are an important cog in the growth and development of any economy, as they say, if you empower a woman you empower a nation. It is imperative therefore that ZIWBC unlock opportunities for collaboration, ideas exchange, trade promotion, and capacity building at the global level which Zimbabwean women can benefit from. The MOU we signed today provides the right platform for that as it carves a space for Zimbabwean women in the global arena. As the Zimbabwe India Women’s Business Council such synergies and partnerships resonate with our thrust on unifying the collective strength of women in effecting change and transformation- both at a local and global level.”
Dr. Shereni added that “Our roots as an organization are at Women Economic Forum(WEF) and Women India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI) which are both headquartered in New Delhi India. So as ZIWBC, it is critical for us to deepen our relations with our Asian Counterparts. As such, our MOU speaks to 7 broad areas of collaboration that seek to Promote Global Impact for Women, Cultivate Networking & Referral sources, Support bilateral advocacy and policy-shaping, Enhance Research & Innovation, Skills Training, Coaching & Mentorship, Business exchange, and trade promotion, as well as Cultural Exchange & Diversity. I must say this is a huge step for us and an exciting opportunity for as many Zimbabwean women from all walks of life to get involved and reap the benefits strategic alliances such as these are likely to bring”
Deputy Minister of Trade and Commerce Hon Raj Modi also said “There are a lot of opportunities available in Zimbabwe. As a government, our doors are open for business so let’s ensure that every MOU signed today, triggers action going forward.”