Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhou Ding, has said his country remains committed to strengthening solidarity and cooperation with Zimbabwe to help drive industrialisation and modernisation.
Speaking to journalists on Friday at a reception in Harare ahead of the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China on 1 October, Zhou said Beijing will continue to encourage more Chinese investment in Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector to boost value addition in the economy.
As China and Zimbabwe mark 45 years of diplomatic ties, Zhou said the two nations have achieved major milestones in cooperation, with Chinese investments contributing significantly to job creation and socio-economic development in Zimbabwe over the decades. Said Zhou:
“Chinese companies have been putting in money and developing Zimbabwe’s infrastructure, industrial chains, and supply chains.
“I would like to see more Chinese companies coming to invest in the country’s manufacturing sector.”
Zhou said there is great potential for industrial and trade cooperation between the two countries and urged Zimbabwe to offer more incentives to attract investment from China and beyond. He said:
“I hope that Zimbabwe can formulate more favorable policies, provide some incentives to encourage companies, not just from China but also from other countries, to invest in the production line building.”
Zhou said China’s recently announced zero-tariff policy on all taxable products for 53 African countries provides a new opportunity for China and Zimbabwe to strengthen trade. He said:
“The potential is still huge, and I really hope that I will be able to work with our Zimbabwean friends to implement this policy as early as possible so that Zimbabwe can benefit from it.”
He added that the policy is set to make a significant contribution to Zimbabwe’s trade, investment, and overall well-being.
