Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu in CHONGQIN, China
CHINESE media organisations have opened the door for closer cooperation with Zimbabwean media houses through simplified partnership arrangements aimed at easing collaboration and content exchange.
Speaking at the Western China International Communication Organisation (WCICO) media complex in Chongqing yesterday, WCICO Director of International Cooperation Department, Mr Hong Huang, said there were growing opportunities for Zimbabwean media institutions to work with Chinese media organisations through direct exchanges of reports and communication.
Mr Huang said while formal cooperation agreements often involved lengthy registration procedures and extensive paperwork, WCICO had adopted a simplified engagement model that allows media houses to collaborate more efficiently.
“Processes like registration involve a lot of paperwork and can take a long time, so what we usually do now is use a simplified version where we can exchange reports with each other,” said Mr Huang.
He said WCICO had established an International Cooperation Department specifically to strengthen ties with foreign media organisations and ensure continuous engagement with international partners.
Mr Huang encouraged Zimbabwean media houses to maintain communication with the organisation by sharing their contact details and requests through email channels to facilitate cooperation.
“That is why we already have an international cooperation department in our organisation. Later, you can get our contact information and send your contacts or requests by email to us so we can keep in touch,” he said.
The remarks come at a time when Zimbabwe and China continue to deepen mutual cooperation across various sectors including media, trade, infrastructure development and cultural exchanges.
For Zimbabwean media houses, the proposed cooperation presents opportunities for content sharing, skills exchange, technology transfer and broader international exposure through partnerships with established Chinese media institutions.
The engagements are also expected to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and enhance understanding between the two countries through collaborative storytelling and information sharing.
As part of its international outreach efforts, the WCICO is positioning itself as a major global communication hub in western China.
Located in Yubei District in Chongqing, close to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, the media complex occupies about 2.1 hectares with a building area measuring 46,000 square metres.
The facility is equipped with modern office infrastructure and support services, including television recording studios, live streaming facilities and post-production services.
The park brings together professional international communication institutions operating in sectors such as news, culture, science and technology, economics, public welfare, training, think tanks and cultural exchanges.
According to WCICO officials, the organisation is being developed into a comprehensive and modern international communication platform with integrated facilities, strong digital capabilities and influential brand projects.
Zimbabwean media practitioners attending the seminar were taken on a guided tour of the facility, where they were exposed to the organisation’s digital communication strategies and international media operations.
During the tour, officials revealed that the organisation also works with global social media influencers and content creators to market Chongqing to international audiences.
Among the influencers mentioned was popular YouTuber IShowSpeed, whose collaborations with the organisation have helped showcase the city of Chongqing to millions of followers worldwide.
The use of digital creators and online personalities reflects China’s growing focus on modern communication strategies that combine traditional media with social media influence to strengthen international visibility and cultural promotion.
The interaction with WCICO officials was part of a media seminar for Zimbabwean journalists taking place in China.
The Seminar for Media Professionals for Zimbabwe is being organised by the Academy for International Business Officials, which is directly under the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China.
