9 ways Zimbabweans have benefited directly from Zi...

9 ways Zimbabweans have benefited directly from Zimbabwe-China bilateral relations

Zim Now Writer

Chinese investment in Zimbabwe has impacted positively on the lives of the people

China will continue supporting Zimbabwe to achieve greater progress in economic and social development through investment, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Guo Shaochun said on Friday.

"These investments are introducing Zimbabwe's high-quality products into international markets, creating considerable forex earnings and tax revenues, tens of thousands of new jobs and technology transfers, and promoting Zimbabwe's competitiveness in the international market," he said.

Ambassador Guo Shaochun made the remarks at a reception to mark the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China which he hosted at the Embassy in Harare.

He spoke about the various programmes that China has embarked on in Zimbabwe and how this has helped uplift the lives of ordinary people.

Industry resuscitation

Chinese owned companies are many in the manufacturing sector with names like AE Electricals now Zimbabwean household brands. Chinese companies are invested in all major sectors including agriculture, mining and manufacturing across a range of industries. By bringing in modern equipment, the companies have helped the country develop substantially and given impetus to the drive to stock local shops with high percentages of local products. They have also created vibrant downstream activity as locals stock up on the products like plastics and kitchen ware for resale in different parts of the country.

Import substitution

Chinese owned companies locally manufacturing a whole gamut of goods from blankets, plastic ware, building ware, detergents and other items have saved the country millions of forex. Sunny Yi Feng in Norton producing building materials and kitchen ware is a prime example. Sino Cement is now the third largest cement producer in the country helping reduce the import burden at a time when demand is high. Without such local production, availability would be limited and the prices out of reach for many people.

Job creation

Thousands of Zimbabweans are employed by Chinese owned companies at various levels including management. With a number of companies having over 500 workers each, analysts speculate that consolidation of employment by Chinese owned companies would establish that they are now- combined-the biggest employer after government. However, there are labour issues in some organisations that need to be ironed out as they taint the perception of all Chinese companies in the country. Mutually negative perceptions, cultural dissonance and disregard of labour laws are among some of the issues that need to be put out of the way through open dialogue and a genuine will to work together harmoniously.

Power supply

Over the past few weeks Zimbabwe has seen load shedding at levels that were last experienced many years ago. The relative efficient and affordable power supply that had become normal prior to that can in part be attributed to the Chinese funded Kariba South Power Station that added 300MW to the national grid. The Hwange Power Station expansion with the addition 7 and 8 units expected to come online by end of 2023 will add 600MW. That is another Chinese project along with India which came in with a loan for the Deka Upgradation which supplies the water to the units. Thus the Chinese initiatives will soon be providing half of Zimbabwe’s power needs. There are plans for future developments that would see the Zimbabwe become energy self-sufficient and possibly an exporter.

Infrastructure development

The Victoria Falls International Airport has resulted in a boost to the tourism sector just when it is needed as international flights now land there. The upgrade trebled the airport’s capacity to 1,5 million passengers a year. The ongoing RGMIA upgrade will see the airport’s capacity rise to 6 million passengers a year, up from the current 2,5 million. More flights mean more business, more jobs and better service for the traveling public.

New parliament

While the parliament building itself is a government to government gift, ordinary Zimbabweans have benefitted directly through job creation, as well as upstream and downstream economic ripple effects during the construction period. Post construction, when the building is officially occupied, business ventures especially of the service industry kind will experience a mini boom in the area. Housing developments have already started taking shape around the development.

Education

Zimbabweans made up a significant chunk of the 80000 African students studying in China before the Covid-19 disruptions. A good number of students have studied on full Chinese government funded scholarships while others have been sponsored by private Chinese companies working with the state. Other students have benefitted from partial scholarships offered by various entities and individuals. China built over 17 schools around the country. In addition, other various private individuals and entities working with local communities have upgraded educational facilities by building classrooms and administration blocks.

Export market

Zimbabwe has just announced a foreign currency credit balance for the first time in a number of years. Chinese companies operating in Zimbabwe and selling on the international market have helped the country begin to establish viable export channels after a period of suppressed activity. The recent grant of a license for Zimbabwe to export fresh citrus fruit to China is not only the opening into a potentially huge market, it will also help the Zimbabwe find a better trade balance with the Asian giant.

Health

China donated vaccines and PPEs to Zimbabwe, upgraded Wilkins Hospital and generally worked with the country’s health authorities to help protect ordinary citizens against the worst ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic. China has built medical facilities such as the hospital in Mahusekwa, and annually brings medical teams to give free service to the most disadvantaged members of the society.

Other things

By contributing to the economic revival of the country, China has positively impacted on the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans in many ways.

China has gifted many kindnesses to Zimbabwe in times of need including tonnes of rice during a drought period and is currently sinking boreholes in communities with impaired access to water.

Many Chinese companies in the country are actively involved in CSR programmes and played their part in ameliorating suffering in the wake of the Cyclone Idai devastation.