Surat – Ahead of the upcoming visit of Zimbabwe’s Vice President, General (Retd.) Dr. C.G.D.N. Chiwenga, scheduled for August 22 and 23, a high-level security and protocol team from the Zimbabwe Embassy in New Delhi arrived in Surat to finalise arrangements. The visit is being organised at the invitation of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI).
Security and Preparatory Review
The delegation, which included senior officials such as the Chief Director from the Vice President’s office, held a crucial meeting at the Chamber of Commerce on August 18. The discussions focused on security arrangements and detailed planning for the Vice President’s two-day programme in Surat.
The team inspected various potential visit sites, including the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), textile units, Sumul Dairy, the diamond industry, and the solar energy sector. Additionally, they reviewed preparations at Platinum Hall in Sarsana, where the “Chalo Zimbabwe” event is scheduled for the evening of August 23.
Delegation Details
According to SGCCI president Nikhil Madrasi, the Vice President will be accompanied by a delegation comprising cabinet ministers and senior secretariat officials. The advance team arriving from New Delhi included Minister Plenipotentiary Edson Moyo, Trade Promotion Officer Nomusa Mugwambi, Chief Director Irene Doroh, Director of Bilateral Trade and Diaspora S. Mateta, along with over 30 senior officials, protocol experts, journalists, and security personnel.
Impact on Bilateral Relations
During the visit, the Zimbabwean delegation will hold high-level meetings with Surat’s leading industrialists and prominent leaders. The SGCCI has expressed confidence that the visit will strengthen trade ties between India and Zimbabwe, opening new avenues in textiles, diamonds, agriculture, and renewable energy.
As per agency report, SGCCI president Nikhil Madrasi emphasised that all necessary preparations have been completed to ensure the success of this historic visit, which is expected to boost bilateral cooperation and business opportunities between the two nations.
