Online Reporter
Prosper Ndlovu [email protected]
THE People’s Republic of China has pledged continued support for Zimbabwe and deepening of collaboration with the private sector towards the attainment of an upper middle-income status by 2030.
As Zimbabwe transitions to the second phase of the National Development Strategy (NDS2) beginning January next year, following milestones achieved in the last five years under NDS1, China has re-affirmed its commitment to consolidate strong bilateral, investment and trade ties with Zimbabwe.
China Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Ambassador Zhou Ding, said this in Harare during the recent 2025 Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Business Review Conference, which was attended by key stakeholders including policy makers, industry and commerce experts, among others.
The conference ran under the theme: “Unlocking Business Potential through Policy, Partnership, and Productivity”.
In his remarks, Amb Ding acknowledged Zimbabwe’s unique economic transformation, strengthening Government-business dialogue, and fostering closer China-Zimbabwe economic ties. He said a number of Chinese enterprises were already members of ZNCC and encouraged them to engage more deeply and contribute even more to this dynamic organization.
“China and Zimbabwe have always been sincere friends. As Zimbabwe strives to build a modern, industrialized, upper-middle-income economy under President Mnangagwa’s mantra of ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo”, China will always stand with Zimbabwe and provide our unwavering support,” said Amb Ding.
“The Chinese Embassy also looks forward to fostering even closer collaboration with all partners, including Government agencies and business organizations, to facilitate the smooth, efficient and lawful operations of Chinese enterprises, to further optimize Zimbabwe’s business environment, to address the challenge weighing on the ease of doing business and to ensure strict compliance by all investors with laws and regulations.”
Amb Ding said 2025 was a year of remarkable achievements for bilateral relations between the two countries as it marks the 45th anniversary of China-Zimbabwe diplomatic relations and the elevation of bilateral ties to an ‘All-weather Community with a Shared Future’.
He said this was a prime opportunity to reflect on shared achievements and the renewed opportunities ahead.
“We take great pride in the robust and dynamic partnership between our two countries. Our high level exchanges have been dynamic. His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa paid two visits to China within one year; Foreign Minister Prof Amon Murwira visited China on three different occasions, and a number of Ministers have visited China,” said Amb Ding.
“In 2025, Chinese assistance and investment projects continue to benefit communities across Zimbabwe. China remains Zimbabwe’s largest source of foreign investment.”
