Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
CHINA’s economic commitment to Zimbabwe has surged, with more than 1 400 new Chinese-invested enterprises registered since 2022, carrying a projected investment value exceeding US$10 billion.
This development coincides with the latest statistics, which indicate that over 3 000 Zimbabwean students have pursued studies in China over the past five years, and more than 2 000 government officials and professionals have participated in training programmes in the Asian giant.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, released the figures yesterday during the China-Zimbabwe Dialogue, which was held in Harare under the theme, “Aligning China’s 15th Five-Year Plan with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.”
The dialogue was organised by the Southern African Research and Documentation Centre (SARDC).
“Over the past five years, as China implemented its 14th Five-Year Plan and Zimbabwe pursued its National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), we have witnessed remarkable achievements in our bilateral cooperation — achievements we can all be proud of,” Ambassador Ding said.
“Our bilateral trade volume reached US$3,12 billion in 2023 and surged to US$3,8 billion in 2024. Zimbabwe’s tobacco exports to China alone sustain approximately half a million local jobs.
“Since 2022, more than 1 400 new Chinese-invested enterprises have been registered in Zimbabwe, with a projected investment value exceeding US$10 billion. Collectively, China’s trade and investment endeavours now underpin the livelihoods of more than one million Zimbabweans.”
The seminar comes as the Communist Party of China (CPC) has just unveiled its Recommendations for the Formulation of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, following the conclusion of the 14th plan. Similarly, Zimbabwe has formulated its National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) as the previous phase, NDS1, is drawing to a close.
Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and China’s 15th Five-Year Plan are five-year socio-economic blueprints spanning 2026-2030.
These strategic frameworks aim to drive structural transformation in their respective countries, albeit with distinct focuses tailored to their unique national priorities.
Beyond private sector investment, Ambassador Ding said Zimbabwe has also benefitted from key projects built with Chinese government grants and concessionary loans.
“These initiatives span critical infrastructure: from the upgrade of the Hwange Power Station’s Units 7&8 and Kariba South Power Station, to the expansion of the Victoria Falls and Robert Mugabe International Airports; from the drilling of over 1 300 boreholes nationwide to the construction of the magnificent New Parliament Building and National Pharmaceutical Warehouse.”
Ambassador Ding expressed confidence that the current momentum will be maintained as the two nations proceed with NDS2 and implement the 15th Five-Year Plan.
“I am confident that China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and NDS2 will unlock fresh opportunities for win-win cooperation.”
As NDS2 identifies 10 national priorities, including accelerating economic growth, enhancing resilience in food security, advancing digital transformation and human capital development, I see great potential in our cooperation.”
He also pointed to a major upcoming trade advantage.
“In June this year, H.E. President Xi Jinping announced that the Chinese Government would grant zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries, including Zimbabwe. This strategic policy is specifically designed to facilitate African nations’ exports to the vast Chinese market.
“For Zimbabwe, this will not only increase exports; it will also catalyse the development of stronger regional value chains in manufacturing. Ultimately, this will create more jobs and raise incomes for the Zimbabwean people. I look forward to the signing of the Agreement between the two sides.”
