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Chiwenga jets out to India
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Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga is expected to arrive in India today on a visit aimed at deepening economic, cultural and diplomatic relations with the world's fourth-largest economy and one of Zimbabwe's major trading partners.
Zimbabwe's Ambassador to India, Ms Stella Nkomo, confirmed the anticipated arrival, saying the visit would further strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
"We are expecting the Vice President here in India, one of our largest trading partners. His visit promises to strengthen our economic ties and enhance mutual cooperation," Ambassador Nkomo said.
She noted that trade relations between Zimbabwe and India date back to the 15th century, adding that while the relationship remains strong, efforts are underway to address the existing trade imbalance by expanding Zimbabwe's exports, particularly in agriculture.
"Zimbabwe has traded with India dating back to the 15th century. We acknowledge the trade imbalance and are focused on boosting exports in agriculture, among other sectors," she said.
Ambassador Nkomo said the Vice President's delegation would also highlight key historical exchanges between the two nations, reflecting their deep-rooted connections. She added that Zimbabwe was pursuing initiatives to preserve the cultural heritage of the Munhumutapa Empire in collaboration with local communities and international partners.
Trade between the two countries has grown significantly in recent years. Zimbabwe's exports to India increased from US$4,5 million in 2021 to US$47 million in 2024. By October this year, exports had reached close to US$20 million, while imports from India stood at nearly US$200 million, largely made up of equipment and machinery.
Beyond economic engagement, the visit has a strong cultural dimension. The Vice President's delegation includes experts from the National Archives of Zimbabwe, National Museums and Monuments, academia and the Catholic Church. The team is expected to document Zimbabwe's contribution to early civilisation and the spread of Christianity.
Central to this effort is the tracing and documentation of the history of Father Miguel, a son of the Munhumutapa, who was educated and ordained as a Dominican priest in Goa in the 15th century. Father Miguel served the Catholic Church in India, rising to the rank of Vicar before his death and burial at the church where he served as parish priest.
The delegation will also seek to document the largely unrecorded history of other sons of the Munhumutapa kings of the era who served as Catholic priests, including Father Constantino, Father Mpezeni and Father Joao.
The visit is expected to reinforce Zimbabwe's long-standing ties with India while opening new avenues for economic cooperation, cultural exchange and historical collaboration.
Zimbabwe's Ambassador to India, Ms Stella Nkomo, confirmed the anticipated arrival, saying the visit would further strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
"We are expecting the Vice President here in India, one of our largest trading partners. His visit promises to strengthen our economic ties and enhance mutual cooperation," Ambassador Nkomo said.
She noted that trade relations between Zimbabwe and India date back to the 15th century, adding that while the relationship remains strong, efforts are underway to address the existing trade imbalance by expanding Zimbabwe's exports, particularly in agriculture.
"Zimbabwe has traded with India dating back to the 15th century. We acknowledge the trade imbalance and are focused on boosting exports in agriculture, among other sectors," she said.
Trade between the two countries has grown significantly in recent years. Zimbabwe's exports to India increased from US$4,5 million in 2021 to US$47 million in 2024. By October this year, exports had reached close to US$20 million, while imports from India stood at nearly US$200 million, largely made up of equipment and machinery.
Beyond economic engagement, the visit has a strong cultural dimension. The Vice President's delegation includes experts from the National Archives of Zimbabwe, National Museums and Monuments, academia and the Catholic Church. The team is expected to document Zimbabwe's contribution to early civilisation and the spread of Christianity.
Central to this effort is the tracing and documentation of the history of Father Miguel, a son of the Munhumutapa, who was educated and ordained as a Dominican priest in Goa in the 15th century. Father Miguel served the Catholic Church in India, rising to the rank of Vicar before his death and burial at the church where he served as parish priest.
The delegation will also seek to document the largely unrecorded history of other sons of the Munhumutapa kings of the era who served as Catholic priests, including Father Constantino, Father Mpezeni and Father Joao.
The visit is expected to reinforce Zimbabwe's long-standing ties with India while opening new avenues for economic cooperation, cultural exchange and historical collaboration.
Source - The Herald
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