Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
THE Zanu PF delegation, led by Dr Engelbert Rugeje, has concluded a business trip to China aimed at exploring value addition opportunities for Zimbabwe and fostering broader investment collaborations.
The journey began in Shanghai and included significant discussions with the Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Science (JAAS) in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province.
Their discussions focused on economic transformation, emphasising smart agriculture as a cornerstone for sustainable growth and rural industrialisation.
A highlight of the trip was a visit to Donghai Crystal City, renowned for its thriving gemstone industry. In the city, the delegation learnt that over 400 000 people were employed across the gemstone value chain.
Said Dr Rugeje: “This provides an opportunity for Zimbabwe to tap into those opportunities and bring the ideas home for employment creation and growing the economy.”
With Zimbabwe’s wealth of over 33 types of gemstones, Dr Rugeje emphasised the importance of harnessing untapped potential to fulfil President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 of an empowered upper-middle income society.
“The President has made a clarion call for the country to guard against exporting our raw gems,” he said.
After their engagement in Donghai, the Zanu PF delegation proceeded to Guangzhou, where they toured a textile manufacturing company and the Liwan Jewellery Wholesale Plaza, the largest jade, stone, and crystal market in South China.
Dr Rugeje highlighted that most raw stones sold here come from Zimbabwe and Southern Africa.
“Zimbabwe boasts more than 60 known types of minerals,” including gemstones like emeralds, rubies and sapphires.
Government aims to establish a US$12 billion mining industry.
The mining sector is projected to grow by 5,6 percent in 2025, with export earnings expected to reach US$6 billion, largely driven by strong gold prices.
The economic activities in Donghai County could significantly benefit Zimbabwe by attracting investments from Donghai-based mining and industrial companies, enhancing the local mining industry and creating jobs.
Dr Rugeje said Donghai’s successful industrial sectors could provide valuable insights for Zimbabwe’s development initiatives.
He said the delegation’s trip to China had opened numerous avenues for Zimbabwe to maximise its natural resources and strengthen its economy through strategic partnerships and collaborations.
