Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe in BEIJING, China
ZIMBABWEAN media professionals who have been attending a two-week seminar here are returning home with a renewed understanding of how communication can be used as a tool to coordinate Government programmes, promote economic development and strengthen national cohesion, an official has said.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on Wednesday, Chief Director of Government Messaging and Programmes in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Jonathan Gandari, said the delegation gained valuable lessons on the role media can play in national development.
“We leave China with a renewed determination, broader perspectives and stronger bonds of friendship,” he said.
“We will share the knowledge we have gained with our colleagues and communities and we hope this exchange will continue to grow for the benefit of both our nations,” he said.
“We now know that through our craft as media professionals, we can spotlight economic linkages at both national and global levels,” said Mr Gandari.
The seminar was organised by the Academy for International Business Officials, which falls under China’s Ministry of Commerce.
Mr Gandari said the seminar exposed delegates to China’s governance philosophy, modernisation model and technological innovation which had transformed the country into a global economic powerhouse.
“The seminar also exposed us to Chinese Communist Party (CCP) remarkable governance philosophy and model.
“Through lectures on modernisation, media responsibility and technological innovation, we witnessed how hard work, careful planning and focused leadership can transform and lift the destiny of a nation from poverty to prosperity,” he said.
“For Zimbabweans, China’s strong story is profoundly inspiring. We leave here with a clear understanding of the function of communication in coordinating development.”
Mr Gandari said Zimbabwean media practitioners had also learnt the importance of developing indigenous communication platforms to promote national interests and unity.
“To communicate to our people with self-confidence and sovereignty, we can develop our own platforms to spearhead national cohesion.
“Communication should be linked to strategic national development landscape,” he added.
Mr Gandari said communication should support national development blueprints and enhance the country’s visibility globally.
“In addition, communication is important for national and global visibility. Media convergence, including artificial intelligence, can be used strategically to tell a nation’s civilisation,” he said.
Mr Gandari also called for stronger cooperation between Zimbabwean and Chinese media institutions through capacity building, content sharing and technological exchange.
“We remain grateful to rue media and communication institutions that opened their doors to us and agreed to forge long lasting future relationships in the areas of capacity building, content sharing and technological cooperation between Chinese and Zimbabwean media institutions.
“Such cooperation can help uplift media standards in Zimbabwe, improve content production and strengthen content sharing between the two nations so that our people-to-people friendship is supported by tourism and trade exchanges,” he said.
derick.khumalo