Chinese delegation on three-day visit to Mat North

A delegation from Shandong province in China is on a three-day visit to Matabeleland North to explore areas of potential partnerships and investment between the two provinces.

The delegation met various stakeholders, including Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Richard Moyo, local authority officials and Government departments in Victoria Falls before visiting Hwange on a look-and-learn and tourism expedition.

Welcoming the delegation, Minister Moyo said the visit was a testimony to the strong and growing relationship between Zimbabwe and China.

He said the province is a land of vast potential and strategic importance with an estimated population of 827 000 people, rich in natural resources, diverse wildlife, and a vibrant cultural heritage.

“Our dear friends, as we strive to enhance economic growth and development, we recognise the pivotal role that foreign investment plays in achieving these goals. Matabeleland North has a wealth of mineral resources, including coal, gold, and methane gas,” said Minister Moyo.

“We are keen to attract investment in the exploration, extraction and processing of these resources. We offer favourable policies and incentives to ensure that investments in the mining sector are both profitable and sustainable.”

He said agriculture remains a cornerstone of the provincial economy with vast tracts of arable land suitable for both crop farming and livestock rearing.

“Additionally, the province is known for cattle ranching. We encourage investment in modern farming techniques, irrigation systems, and agro-processing facilities. By adding value to our agricultural produce, we can significantly enhance income for local farmers and create employment opportunities,” he said.

“Matabeleland North is home to some of Zimbabwe’s most iconic tourist destinations, such as the majestic Victoria Falls.”

He said a lot of investment opportunities will come from developments in sports and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) tourism.

He invited Chinese companies to invest in luxury hotels, eco-lodges, adventure tourism, and cultural tourism.

Minister Moyo said infrastructure development is crucial for economic growth, adding that there are significant opportunities in housing construction, especially in the provincial capital Lupane.

“The rehabilitation and expansion of the Victoria Falls International Airport presents another investment avenue, enhancing capacity to handle increased tourist and cargo traffic. Investments in renewable energy, particularly solar and hydroelectric power, can also help meet the growing demand for electricity in the province and the nation at large,” he said.

He said the province was eager to diversify its economy by developing the manufacturing sector.

The Government, he said, is committed to creating a conducive environment for business, with policies that support investment and economic development.

“We believe that with your expertise, resources, and commitment, we can build a prosperous future together. Your investment in Matabeleland North will not only yield significant returns but also contribute to the uplifting of our communities and the overall development of Zimbabwe,” he said.

The Chinese delegation comprises various departments, including the office of the Shandong Provincial Commission and the People’s Congress of China.The delegation leader, Mr Fan Huaping, said the visit would open a new chapter in terms of cooperation between the two provinces.

“I would like to introduce the economic and social development of Shandong, a culture-intensive, prosperous industry, open and inclusive population province, economic province, and cultural province. The province has a land area of 15,8 million square kilometres, with a permanent and household population of more than twice the area,” said Mr Huaping.

Shandong is one of the important birthplaces of Chinese civilisation, the birthplace of Confucian culture, and has the prestige of “Confucius country, the country of rituals.

“Shandong has all 41 major industrial categories classified by the United Nations, industrial gross product value is the first tier of the country, and the agricultural gross production value is number one in the country.”

He said his province has always attached great importance to exchanges and cooperation with Zimbabwe and has hosted 20 groups of high-level delegations.In the first quarter of this year, Shandong’s total imports and exports to Zimbabwe amounted to 15,11 million yuan (approximately US$2,1 million).

He said Shandong has a good basis for cooperation with Matabeleland North through the establishment of a liaison mechanism, promotion of friendship and cooperation, deepening economic and trade cooperation, and exploring cooperation in the fields of health care, cultural tourism and others. — @ncubeleon