GOVERNMENT has signed an Air Service Agreement with India which seeks to regularise the operation of air transport services between the two countries.
TARISAI MANDIZHA BUSINESS REPORTER
Speaking at the signing ceremony of the Air Services Agreement in Harare, Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Obert Mpofu said the agreement seeks to achieve the promotion of an international aviation system based on competition among airlines.
He said the agreement ensures the highest degree of safety and security in international air services and reaffirmation of the two countries grave concern about acts or threats against the security of aircraft, safety of persons or property.
“The signing of this agreement marks the end of a journey that started with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between our two countries on May 20 2010 in New Delhi, India,” Mpofu said.
“As a ministry and government we are really excited by this development, the signing of this agreement which shows the extent of the good bilateral relations which exist between our two countries. We look forward to more economic ties beneficial to both countries as we implement this agreement.”
He said that the agreement states that airlines of each country would be entitled to operate combined services per week in each direction.
The airlines can also operate any number of all-cargo services between each other’s territory with any type of craft and that designated airlines can code-share.
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Speaking at the same event Indian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Jeitendra Kumar Tripathi said to date a total of $150 million has been realised through trade between Zimbabwe and India.
He said the agreement between India and Zimbabwe signified the beginning of a new era in the air transport services between the two countries.
“In fact, this is one agreement signed between both countries after, I think, 15 years,” said the Indian ambassador.
“The last was a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, but that is yet to be ratified. So it is the benchmark to define the relationship between two friendly countries of ours and as you know India and Zimbabwe has been very friendly countries and the relationship dates back more than 200 years.”
