In a significant diplomatic engagement, Stella Nkomo, the Zimbabwean Ambassador to India, along with Rajeshkumar Modi, the country’s Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, visited Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This visit was part of a delegation that aimed to explore potential collaborations between Zimbabwe and Gujarat. The delegation was in the state to partake in the 12th Trade Show organized by the Saurashtra Vepar Udyog Mandal, taking place in Ahmedabad from February 11 to 15.
Focus on MSME Sector Collaboration
During their courtesy meeting, the discussions centered around leveraging Gujarat’s expertise in the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector to bolster Zimbabwe’s own SME landscape. Both the Ambassador and the Deputy Minister highlighted Gujarat’s growing reputation as not just a manufacturing and automotive hub but also an emerging center for semiconductor technology and MSME dominance. They expressed strong interest in harnessing this expertise to benefit Zimbabwe’s industrial development.
Opportunities for Skill Development and Training
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel acknowledged the potential for collaboration, expressing willingness to assess and enhance Zimbabwe’s SME sector capabilities. He emphasized the importance of skill development and training as critical components of this cooperation. The exchange aimed to facilitate knowledge transfer that could lead to sustainable growth in Zimbabwe’s SMEs.
Educational Ties Also on the Agenda
Furthermore, the Zimbabwean delegation indicated a keen interest in nurturing educational ties with Gujarat, in addition to industry and commercial ventures. They noted the enrollment of Zimbabwean police and security officials in advanced education programs at the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in Gandhinagar, particularly in fields related to security and cybercrime. This highlights the multifaceted nature of collaboration that both parties wish to foster.
Future Collaboration and Upcoming Events
In a bid to strengthen bilateral relations, Chief Minister Patel extended an invitation to Zimbabwe for participation in the forthcoming Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in 2027 along with its regional conferences. This event will serve as a platform for promoting trade and investment opportunities while enhancing the dialogue between Gujarat and Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe Invites Gujarat Entrepreneurs for Future Exhibition
In a reciprocal gesture, the Zimbabwe delegation invited entrepreneurs from Gujarat’s MSME sector, as well as state government officials, to visit Zimbabwe for an upcoming SME exhibition scheduled for March 2026. This invitation is seen as a way to encourage investment and partnership opportunities between the two regions, aiming for mutual growth and development in various sectors.
