Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE and China have elevated their relations from the Five Star Ironclad Friendship to the “All Weather Zimbabwe-China Community with a Shared Future”.
This level of bilateral relations opens vast prospects for mutually beneficial economic growth and prosperity.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe looked forward to pursuing joint development targets under the new level of relations.
“It has been 45 years since the establishment of Zimbabwe-China diplomatic ties and Zimbabwe therefore welcomes the deepening and elevation of our relations to an All-Weather Zimbabwe-China Community with a Shared Future,” said President Mnangagwa.
Zimbabwe-China trade has been expanding over the years, clocking US$2,3 billion annually.
President Mnangagwa and his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping last year witnessed the signing of 17 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) across various economic sectors that include agriculture, infrastructure development and mining during President Mnangagwa’s State Visit.
The two leaders at their meeting held at the Great Hall of the People before the signing of the agreements, resolved to strengthen trade and co-operation for the mutual benefit of the two countries.
President Xi has said China will always stand ready to co-operate with Zimbabwe.
He said China and Zimbabwe were for a just and equitable world order.
China has over the years supported many development projects in Zimbabwe proving it is an all-weather friend.
The signature projects funded by the Chinese government include the $1 billion Hwange Thermal Power Station unit 7 and 8 expansion project, the US$500 million Kariba South Hydro Power Station upgrading, the US$150 million Robert Mugabe International Airport expansion and the US$150 Victoria Falls Airport upgrading among others.
China is also leading foreign investments in Zimbabwe riding on the improved ease of doing business with key projects such as the US$1,5 billion Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Disco) in Manhize in the Midlands province already driving industrial transformation and employing thousands of people.
The Second Republic’s engagement and re-engagement policy continues to open new avenues for co-operation and strategic synergies such as the ones the country is enjoying with China.
This has seen the country witnessing tremendous transformative development despite the illegal economic sanctions imposed by the West.
President Mnangagwa has said in light of the sanctions, Zimbabwe will continue to find homegrown economic solutions much to the chagrin of the country’s detractors.
Since the coming in of the Second Republic, Government has implemented a number of life-changing projects across the country and our challenge as a nation is to maintain this growth momentum.
Big companies continue to show confidence in the Zimbabwean economy and as such are investing millions of dollars in new projects in the different sectors such as mining, tourism, agriculture and infrastructure development among others.
The unjustified illegal sanctions should spur Zimbabweans to work even harder to improve their livelihoods. The present generation has an obligation to bequeath to future generations, a prosperous Zimbabwe hence the need for each and every citizen to put shoulder to the wheel as we build the Zimbabwe we all want. Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabaninilo/Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo.
