Zimbabwe Vice President Mujuru Meets Indian Prime Minister

Republic of Zimbabwe Vice-President Joice Mujuru with Indian Vice-President Mohd Hamid Ansari. The two officials held discussions in New Delhi. Both countries are seeking to strengthen economic and political ties., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

VP Mujuru meets Indian Prime Minister

Wednesday, 21 March 2012 00:00
Zimbabwe Herald

Walter Muchinguri in New Delhi, India
Vice President Joice Mujuru yesterday met Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh at his offices here to discuss areas of co-operation between the two countries.

The two leaders discussed the just ended India-Africa Conclave and the strengthening of bilateral relations between the two countries during the nearly hour-long meeting.

The meeting came after the Indian Minister of Commerce, Industry and Textiles Mr Anand Sharma had called on Vice President Mujuru after the closing ceremony of the Conclave earlier in the day.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting Minister Sharma said they were happy to have hosted the Zimbabwe delegation during the conference and that as a Government they were keen to assist Zimbabwe through various projects.

“We discussed bilateral relations between our two countries and how we can increase economic partnerships.

“We have a number of projects that we want to implement in Zimbabwe such as a skills training institution and laboratory testing facilities,” he said.

Meanwhile the 8th India-Africa conclave ended yesterday with delegates calling for increased corporation between India and Africa.

They also called on the Indian Government to expedite the processing of applications that have been made by Indian companies interested in investing in Africa against the US$5 billion fund created by the Indian Government in support of investments in Africa.

Zimbabwean delegates attending the conclave hailed it as a success but emphasised the need to make follow-ups on the contacts established during the three-day meeting.

Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa said while members of the Zimbabwean delegation had made meaningful contacts all their efforts could come to nought if something is not done about the funding aspect.

“The Exim bank of India placed Zimbabwe on its negative list of countries during the time that the West imposed sanctions on us but now that we have been here and communicated our position.

“We need to push for the country to be moved from the negative list to the positive one so that projects meant for Zimbabwe receive funding,” he said.

Economic Planning and Investment Promotion Permanent Secretary Dr Desire Sibanda said the congress was a great success as Zimbabwe had a great opportunity to showcase its investment potential as it was the focus country.

“We are a resource rich country but we are infrastructure poor, we hope that the deals sealed here will bring meaningful development to the country,” he said.

Dr Sibanda said there was need to concretise all the deals made while also continuing to interact with investors to increase investment in the country.

Businessman and AVM Africa managing director Mr Kenneth Musanhi said the conclave was an eye opener as it exposed people to ideas which if implemented can help develop downstream industries.

“As AVM Africa we have managed to secure a deal with a local Indian company so that it can supply us bus kits and engine units.”