Zimbabwe VP in Surat for ‘Chalo Zimbabwe’ Event hosted by SGCCI

Surat | Gujarat — In a significant move to strengthen global trade and industry ties, Zimbabwe’s Vice President Honourable General (Retd.) Dr. C.G.D.N. Chiwenga ‘GCZM’, accompanied by cabinet ministers and top officials, has arrived in Surat for a two-day visit. The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) has extended the invitation as part of its international outreach initiative, culminating in the ‘Chalo Zimbabwe’ program at Platinum Hall, Sarsana on August 23.

Speaking about the visit, SGCCI president Nikhil Madrasi said, “This historic visit by Zimbabwe’s Vice President is an opportunity to bring together the strengths of Gujarat’s industries and Zimbabwe’s emerging markets. Surat’s entrepreneurs will gain direct access to opportunities in trade, investment, tourism, and technology collaborations.”

Addressing a press conference at SGCCI on Thursday, Zimbabwean Commerce and Industry Minister Raj Modi, who is originally from Rajpipla, said that Zimbabwe is keen to work with South Gujarat in the diamond, chemical, pharmaceutical, vehicles and machinery segments. Zimbabwean diamonds are certified as per the Kimberley Process. Zimbabwean rough is very suitable for jewellery made in Surat and Mumbai. Surat, the hub of diamond manufacturing, also has sufficient machinery and technology for it. Zimbabwe is keen to sign a foreign trade agreement with India.

Modi further said, “This visit of the Vice President of Zimbabwe will open the door to new opportunities for trade and industry in South Gujarat, including Surat. The expertise of Gujarati industries in sectors like textiles, diamonds, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and renewable energy can prove to be mutually beneficial for both the countries when combined with Zimbabwe’s natural resources and new emerging markets. This visit will provide vast opportunities for industrialists for export-import, technology transfer and joint ventures.”

High-Level Engagements Across Industries

During the two-day program, the Zimbabwean delegation will engage with leaders from Surat’s core industries – diamonds, textiles, agriculture, milk production, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and mining.

On August 22, the Vice President and his team will visit Harekrishna Diamond in Bhatpore, followed by Aishwarya Dyeing Mills Pvt. Ltd. and Sumul Dairy, where they held discussions on export-import opportunities and joint ventures.

The following day, August 23, the delegation toured the APMC Market and Shri Ramakrishna Export in Katargam, before holding discussions with academic leaders at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU). The agenda included exploring collaborations in agriculture, diamond exports, and higher education.

‘Chalo Zimbabwe’ Program at Sarsana

The highlight of the visit will be the ‘Chalo Zimbabwe’ interactive session, where the Vice President will directly interact with entrepreneurs from Surat and South Gujarat. Leaders from textiles, diamonds, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, mining, and tourism will participate in one-to-one meetings with the delegation.

“Zimbabwe is rich in natural resources, and Gujarat has expertise in processing, innovation, and global trade networks. This synergy can open new avenues for both countries in mining, agro-industries, renewable energy, and infrastructure development,” said an SGCCI official.

Strengthening Trade and Tourism Links

Industry experts believe that the visit will be a milestone in expanding Surat’s global footprint. The collaboration is expected to create new export-import opportunities, technology transfers, and joint ventures. Particularly, Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth and agriculture sector offer significant potential for cooperation with Surat’s established industries.

Parents in South Gujarat’s business community are optimistic. A textile entrepreneur from Surat shared, “Direct business connectivity with Zimbabwe will not only help us enter African markets but also strengthen our global competitiveness.”