Online Reporter
Zimpapers Politics Hub
CHINESE companies and institutions should take full advantage of Beijing’s Zero Tariff Policy to invest in new industries and trade zones, a senior official has said.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, made the remarks at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Annual Congress in Victoria Falls today.
“In alignment with the Zimbabwean government’s NDS2, I call on Chinese enterprises to invest in integrated industrial parks that fuse manufacturing, logistics, and trade—extending Zimbabwe’s industrial reach, driving higher value addition, and propelling Zimbabwean products into lucrative Chinese markets,” he said.
“China’s zero-tariff policy represents an unprecedented institutional dividend for our economic and trade cooperation. However, translating this policy advantage into tangible economic returns requires our collective and concerted efforts. To maximise its benefits, we need to take action”.
Noting the need to enhance market access, Ambassador Zhou said the Chinese Embassy in Harare is ready to work with stakeholders to intensify information sharing, guidance, and training for local exporters on China’s market access requirements.
“In this regard, we count on ZNCC and ZimTrade to play a pivotal role by organising buyer-seller matchmaking events, trade fairs, and business delegation exchanges. These efforts will help connect Chinese importers with Zimbabwean producers and exporters, secure more purchase orders, and particularly boost the export of premium agricultural and horticultural products.”
Ambassador Zhou said Zimbabwe urgently needs to boost its production capacity and move up the value chain.
“We need to channel fresh investment and deploy state-of-the-art equipment and technologies to unlock new levels of productivity.”
He also stressed that negotiations on the China-Zimbabwe Economic Partnership for Shared Development Agreement should be accelerated to secure a stable and enduring framework for bilateral trade and investment flows.
“I call upon Zimbabwean enterprises to fully leverage key platforms—including the China International Import Expo, the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, and cross-border e-commerce channels—to tap into the vast opportunities offered by the zero-tariff policy,” Ambassador Zhou said.
On the financial front, he called for the broadening of financing options to support local production and trade.
“We should utilise a wider array of trade financing instruments, and upgrade and optimise cross-border payment systems—all with the goal of lowering transaction costs and sharpening operational efficiency.”
