BULAWAYO, Apr.24 (NewsDayLive) - Chinese ambassador Zhou Ding has reaffirmed his country's commitment to help in Zimbabwe's industrialisation and sustainable development agenda.
Addressing business delegates at the International Business Conference at the ongoing Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo on Wednesday, Zhou noted that trade between the countries had reached US$3.8billion in 2024, a 23.9% increase from the previous year.
"Our bilateral trade volume reached a historic peak of US$3.8 billion in 2024 — a 23.9% year-on-year increase,” he said.
“The remarkable progress in our cooperation is inseparable from China's own development, which has enabled it to provide greater support for Zimbabwe and Africa.
“To further unlock its full potential, I believe the efforts are expected to involve optimizing its business climate to attract more high-value investments, streamlining regulations to reward innovation and entrepreneurship, maintaining policy continuity to honour long-term commitments, and sustainably addressing debt issues to secure financial support for more transformative projects.”
Zhou emphasised the importance of win-win cooperation and multilateralism in an increasingly protectionist global environment.
“Zimbabwe and China share the conviction that true industrialisation must be inclusive, innovative, and people-centered,” he said.
Zhou said China continues to play a pivotal role in transforming Zimbabwe’s economic landscape through large-scale investments in energy, infrastructure, and industry.
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He cited key projects such as the Dinson Iron and Steel Company, Titan New Energy Complex, and Parm River Energy and Metallurgical Economic Zone as central to Zimbabwe’s industrialisation push.
“These are not just industrial investments; they are lifelines of opportunity—creating jobs, transferring skills, and uplifting lives,” he said.
Beyond infrastructure, the Ambassador highlighted that Chinese companies have rolled out more than 200 corporate social responsibility initiatives across Zimbabwe.
These include healthcare programs, skills training, and educational support that directly benefit local communities.
He also praised Zimbabwe’s efforts to industrialise in a sustainable and inclusive way, stressing that the country’s commitment to innovation, environmental consciousness, and economic sovereignty is commendable.
“China supports Zimbabwe’s goal to integrate into the global economy while preserving its independence and identity,” Zhou added.
