ZANZIBAR, July 21 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — THE Zanzibar government has reaffirmed its commitment to welcoming investors from India, as part of efforts to boost economic cooperation and sustainable development across key sectors.
Minister of State, President’s Office–Labour, Economic Affairs and Investment, Sharif Ali Sharif, said the Isles government is ready to offer enabling policies and opportunities for investors from India to participate in high-impact projects.
“Our priority today is to work closely with partners across economic sectors to create jobs, improve livelihoods and accelerate our development vision,” said Sharif during the opening of the Zanzibar–India Business and Investment Forum over the weekend.
The area mainly discussed include agriculture, construction, renewable energy, tourism, industry, health and education.
“Our institutions and laws are investor-friendly and ready to support fast-track implementation,” he said the forum is “a springboard for long-term partnerships,” urging all participants to turn ideas into actionable projects.
The high-level forum, organised by the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) in collaboration with India’s Market Research and Strategy Foundation (MARS) and the Tanzanian Embassy in New Delhi, brought together over 40 Indian delegates from sectors including textiles, agribusiness, tourism, pharmaceuticals and engineering.
ZIPA Executive Director Saleh Saad Mohamed said the forum aimed to connect Indian investors with real and emerging opportunities in the isles.
“India is a global leader in technology, manufacturing, and agriculture. Our goal is to use this partnership to enhance value addition, improve productivity and stimulate innovation,” he said.
Some of the visiting companies have already expressed interest in investing in textile and food processing industries, while others are keen on exploring tourism and hospitality projects.
ZIPA Director said Zanzibar focus on modernising infrastructure, embracing digital transformation and promoting the Blue Economy as core to its economic transformation journey.
Also present at the forum was Tanzania’s High Commissioner to India, Anisa Kapufi Mbega, who commended the initiative as a direct result of the economic diplomacy strategies championed Tanzania.
“Our leaders have made deliberate efforts to create a supportive investment climate. It is our duty as diplomats to translate those visions into action by promoting Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar as top destinations for trade and investment,” she said.
The head of the Indian delegation, Rekha Sharma, Director of the Market Research and Strategy Foundation, expressed her admiration for Zanzibar’s natural beauty and the government’s proactive approach to investment promotion. “We see great potential here. This visit marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration that benefits both India and Zanzibar,” she remarked. — NNN-DAILYNEWS
