China-Zimbabwe Strengthen Ties Through Human Res...

China-Zimbabwe Strengthen Ties Through Human Resources Development and Bilateral Cooperation

Patience Muchemwa

Senior Reporter

The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe hosted the “My Stories with China” reception on Friday, celebrating the 2024 China-Zimbabwe Human Resources Development Cooperation. This event, attended by high-ranking officials and key stakeholders, highlighted the enduring partnership between the two nations.

Prominent attendees included Apollonia Munzverengwi, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution (Mashonaland East); Omphile Marupi, Deputy Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services; David Kudakwashe Mnangagwa, Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion; and other senior government officials, including Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume and Members of Parliament.

Over the past year, approximately 700 Zimbabwean professionals across various sectors—education, finance, agriculture, health, and public administration—benefited from training and exchange programs in China. These initiatives underscore the deepening ties between the two nations, reinforced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent state visit to China.

Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding reaffirmed the strength of this bilateral relationship, emphasizing China’s role as Zimbabwe’s largest investor and major trading partner. Bilateral trade reached nearly $3 billion by September 2024, nearly matching the total trade volume of 2023. Ambassador Zhou also highlighted China’s continued humanitarian support, including $6 million in food aid in response to the El Nino-induced drought and ongoing rural development projects such as borehole drilling and plans for solar-powered classrooms and irrigation systems.

Hon. Apollonia Munzverengwi praised China’s knowledge-sharing initiatives, citing her participation in a Ministerial workshop on digital agriculture and rural revitalization under the Belt and Road Initiative. “We indeed learned a lot, and we are prepared to implement what we learned,” she stated.

Ernest Tapfumanei Mugandanai from the Ministry of Mines described how seminars in geo-sciences had enriched Zimbabwe’s mining sector, while Mrs. Dube of the National Railways of Zimbabwe applauded the safety standards of China’s railway system. She expressed hope that Zimbabwe could adopt similar practices to improve its rail infrastructure.

The enduring China-Zimbabwe partnership, rooted in support during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, continues to thrive. From political backing to economic collaboration, China remains a steadfast ally, particularly in the face of sanctions and other challenges.

Munzverengwi acknowledged China’s pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s progress through its extensive training programs and investment in human resource development. “These initiatives are critical in strengthening our relations and driving development,” she remarked.

As China and Zimbabwe deepen their cooperation across sectors, this partnership signals a shared commitment to fostering sustainable growth and prosperity for both nations.