The Sunday Mail
Prince Mushawevato in NEW DELHI, India
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration has shown vigour and a sense of urgency, and this will expedite implementation of business deals between India and Zimbabwe, Harare’s chief diplomat here, Ambassador Maxwell Ranga, has said.
India — a member of the influential Brics economic grouping — is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, and Zimbabwe has in recent years upped co-operation with the Asian nation whose development is anchored, in part, on a thriving SMEs sector undergirded by cutting-edge technology.
It is the world’s sixth-largest economy by nominal GDP and the third-largest by purchasing power parity.
Addressing Zimbabwean participants at a two-week cultural exchange programme last week, Ambassador Ranga said, “A number of memoranda have been signed between Zimbabwe and India; for instance, in the fields of aviation, arts and culture. However, not much has been realised from the deals. It is only India that has been capitalising, sending their groups to Zimbabwe.
“The MoUs have, sadly, been gathering dust in cabinets back home, but that, certainly, is now a thing of the past. It is no longer business as usual.
“The new leader (President Mnangagwa) means business. Everyone has been told to roll up their sleeves, work hard and prove their worth in their respective sectors. The country is changing for the better.”
The delegation comprised Zimbabwe Tourism Authority officials, Hwamanda Dance Troupe and journalists.
The Indian Embassy in Harare, in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and ZTA, facilitated the visit which saw Hwamanda perform in Gujarat, Imphal, Kolkata and New Delhi, with their debut performance at the revered Manipur Sangai Festival being a major highlight.
Ambassador Ranga said, “I’m glad that we are now sending our groups this side. This interaction should be ongoing and must create a window for other groups from Zimbabwe. We are glad you came and the reports I’m getting are positive.
“Don’t remain stagnant. Capitalise on this and many other opportunities that come your way. We want you to organise yourselves into a professional group and stop surviving from hand to mouth. The idea of these exchange programmes is for you to learn new things that will help you further develop.”
ZTA executive director (National Convention Bureau) Mrs Tesa Chikaponya added, “This is a major step in the right direction. I’m glad Hwamanda Dance Troupe endeared themselves (with the people). They have created a new market not only for themselves but other Zimbabwean cultural groups.
“The Indians have told me that they will be inviting them and other cultural groups in the near future. This is good news for us from a business/tourism perspective. Increased cultural co-operation means arrivals from India will also surge.”
