ZIMBABWE’S drive to bolster economic engagement with progressive nations has received a major boost following the successful hosting of a Zimbabwe-China business forum on the sidelines of the ongoing 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) in Changsha.
Attended by close to 100 Chinese business representatives, the forum served as a platform to foster stronger trade and investment partnerships between Harare and Beijing, while leveraging the enduring friendship rooted in shared liberation histories.
Delivering keynote remarks, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira, reaffirmed China’s status as a strategic ally in Zimbabwe’s socio-economic transformation journey.
“As Zimbabwe continues on the path of socio-economic transformation, we consider China a key strategic partner. In this regard, we thank Chinese companies that are doing business with us. This forum further provides a valuable opportunity to turn goodwill into tangible projects that will uplift livelihoods, create jobs and strengthen bonds between our people for shared development,” he said.
Representing the Chinese host city, Mr Li Weilin, Member of the CPC and Secretary General for Huaihua Municipal, applauded Zimbabwe’s commitment to deepening bilateral engagement.
Among the notable attendees were representatives from Touchroad International and Xin Gang Lian (XGL), both of which have active investments in Zimbabwe.
XGL, which is behind the US$3.6 billion Beitbridge Energy Park commissioned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in February this year, expressed satisfaction with Zimbabwe’s investment climate.
“Zimbabwe has been supportive of our business growth. I recently brought 350 Chinese tourists many of whom were also scouting for investment opportunities and the reception was exceptional.” Touchroad International, Dr Lieu He said.
“The opening of our Beitbridge Energy Park by His Excellency earlier this year has improved our operational environment. We encourage more Chinese enterprises to explore Zimbabwe’s vast potential,” Xin Gang Lian, Ms Lydia Yuan said.
The business forum aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) under the economic diplomacy thrust, which promotes partnerships in key areas such as mining and mineral beneficiation, infrastructure development, and agriculture.
The country’s trade promotion agency, ZimTrade, is leading the charge in securing strategic partnerships that enhance value addition and create market linkages across key sectors.
