Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe in BEIJING, China
THE China Association of Trade in Services (CATIS) has expressed its willingness to partner with Zimbabwean industries and commerce across all sectors of the economy, with strong emphasis on energy infrastructure development through photovoltaic power station projects as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to address electricity shortages and drive industrialisation.
Speaking during a presentation on Global Opportunities in China Supply Chains to a delegation of Zimbabwean journalists in Beijing on Sunday, a key person in charge of the Cross-Border E-Commerce Operations Department of CATIS, Mr Xu Chengang, said the association, as a representative of
China’s service trade sector, is prepared to leverage existing China-Zimbabwe bilateral relations to deepen trade and industrial cooperation between the two sides.
As a representative of China’s service trade sector, the association noted that opportunities for collaboration span multiple sectors, including renewable energy, pharmaceutical manufacturing, agro-processing machinery, solar-powered construction equipment, engineering machinery, as well as ship and aircraft leasing.
“For most of the needs of your country, China’s supply chain system is well-positioned to provide support,” said Mr Xu.
“The China Association of Trade in Services aims to be your ideal partner to access high-quality Chinese resources and support the revitalization of your national economy.
“Since the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative, China has achieved remarkable results in the trade sector, which ultimately stems from the development and support of China’s robust supply chain,” he added.
Mr Xu noted that CATIS is committed to supporting Zimbabwe’s economic transformation agenda through supply chain cooperation and investment facilitation, where feasible and mutually beneficial.
“As CATIS we strive to leverage the power of the supply chain to support countries around the world, including Zimbabwe, in boosting economic growth, improving people’s livelihoods, and working towards prosperity and strength,” he said.
“We sincerely hope that through this cooperation, Zimbabwe will be able to grow its trade and economy, and further develop and revitalize the country.”
Zimbabwe and China have in recent years strengthened ties across mining, infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing, with Chinese enterprises playing a significant role in supporting Zimbabwe’s industrialisation and modernisation agenda.
Strategic investments in energy infrastructure, particularly renewable energy and photovoltaic projects were cited as part of this expanding cooperation.
China has also supported Zimbabwe’s mining value chain development, including lithium extraction and processing, aligning with Zimbabwe’s ambition to move up the mineral beneficiation ladder.
Analysts view the relationship as increasingly mutually beneficial, with Zimbabwe gaining access to capital and technology, while Chinese enterprises secure long-term investment opportunities in a resource-rich and strategically positioned African market.
Mr Xu noted that China remains the only country in the world covering all industrial categories defined by the United Nations, supported by a fully self-sufficient industrial chain.
“China has formed over 700 world-class industrial clusters, distributed in over 200 cities and regions, covering engineering machinery, auto parts, consumer electronics, home appliances, textiles and home furnishings, luggage, footwear and apparel, photovoltaic new energy, hardware tools, crop seeds, fertilizers and more,” he said.
“For most categories of products in short supply in your markets, China has professional industrial clusters that are well-positioned to supply directly from the source.”
Energy cooperation emerged as a major focal area during the presentation, with CATIS proposing photovoltaic (PV) power station projects as a practical and high-potential investment model for Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe is aggressively pursuing renewable energy investments to close electricity supply gaps, support mining and industrial expansion, and reduce reliance on power imports.
Giving what he described as a practical and sustainable investment example, Mr Xu said cooperation in photovoltaic power stations has the potential to deliver long-term economic returns while helping address power shortages.
“First, we would establish cooperation. Assume you are the owner of the power station. You would set up a company, which would sign a procurement agreement and a construction entrustment agreement with our supply chain system,” he said.
“Second, the main enterprise of the power station would apply for bank loans: With this cooperation agreement, your company may be able to directly apply for project loans from local banks. Banks generally recognize such agreements and may approve loans efficiently.”
He said an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractor recommended by CATIS, based on professional qualifications and project suitability, would then undertake the construction of the power station.
“During this process, we would also need you, the company that owns the power station, to handle the procedures for integrating the power station into your national power grid.
“As long as it is successfully connected to the grid, the power station is expected to be put into use. Of course, if any materials are needed, we are willing to cooperate with you to complete them,” he said.
Mr Xu said under the proposed model, the operating company would sell electricity to the national grid, with proceeds used to repay project financing.
“As the operating entity of the power station, the power station would sell electricity to your State Grid, which is expected to pay monthly electricity bills to the company.
The electricity bills would then be used to repay bank loans,” he said.
“According to incomplete statistics, most countries around the world have been able to recover all costs in about four years.
“Moreover, a PV power station typically has a service life of up to 30 years. After cost recovery, it is possible to enjoy 26 years of pure profit — which can be seen as a ‘perpetual gold mine generating electricity’.”
He added: “In summary, you would set up a company and provide the land; we would offer solutions, equipment and construction services; local banks could provide financing; your national grid would purchase electricity; with a potential four-year payback period and 26 years of potential net profit.
“This model is designed to feature low risk and high potential returns, while helping to address your country’s power shortage challenges.”
Beyond photovoltaics, Mr Xu said CATIS is also able to offer full-package implementation solutions across several industrial sectors, based on mutual needs and agreement.
For pharmaceutical manufacturing projects, he said the association is able to provide support throughout the entire process from plant design and construction to equipment supply, raw material sourcing and production systems, based on mutual agreement.
He also presented potential opportunities in filling and packaging equipment capable of handling fluids, liquids and powders, peanut oil production lines aimed at boosting value addition in agriculture, agricultural machinery, engineering equipment, solar-powered automated irrigation systems and ultra-high voltage transformers to help strengthen power supply systems.
“We also have access to the world’s second largest aircraft leasing cluster, accounting for over 80 percent of China’s cross-border leasing business, and we are able to offer both aircraft and ship leasing services,” he said.
Mr Xu stressed that efficient supply chains remain the foundation of national development and economic competitiveness, adding that deeper cooperation between CATIS (as a representative of China’s service trade sector) and Zimbabwean entities has the potential to unlock industrial growth, technology transfer and long-term economic value.
As China-Zimbabwe economic ties continue to deepen, the focus is shifting towards translating trade and investment gains into inclusive growth, higher productivity and long-term economic resilience.
China-Zimbabwe cooperation is well-positioned to remain a key driver of Zimbabwe’s economic transformation and integration into global value chains.
