Herald Reporter
Zimbabwe-China relations continue to upscale to greater heights from being all weather friendly to that of comprehensive strategic partnership, Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga said last night.
Dr Chiwenga made the remarks during the 2023 Chinese new year celebrations in Harare, in a speech read on his behalf by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa.
Minister Mutsvangwa was accompanied by the husband Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa who is also Zanu PF national spokesperson.
The Acting President said it was an honour to join the Chinese community in celebrating their momentous occasion that marks the beginning of the season which ushers new prospects and opportunities to further strengthen our bilateral cooperation.
He extended warm congratulations on the advent of the Chinese Lunar New Year on behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Zimbabwe, and on her own behalf.
Dr Chiwenga further said was happy to join the Chinese community in Zimbabwe in celebrating the onset of the year of the Rabbit which symbolises longevity, peace and prosperity.
“I am encouraged that the new season offers an opportunity for us to solidify the strong bonds of friendship and solidarity that exist between our two countries and peoples.
“As you may be aware, Zimbabwe-China relations were elevated from “all whether friend” to “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”, to appropriately reflect the depth of our relations which date from the period of our liberation struggle,.
He also expressed appreciation of the excellent bilateral relations that exist between Zimbabwe and the People’s Republic of China.
He said over the past few years, there has been increased growth of investments in Zimbabwe by the Chinese Government and Chinese companies.
“The Chinese Government and business community have transferred technical expertise and created employment opportunities for tens of thousands of our people,” said Acting President.
“The investments have helped to increase the country’s Gross Domestic Product and volume of exports. “I cannot over-emphasise the contribution that Chinese companies have made towards boosting production in the economy and in the same vain transforming the livelihoods of Zimbabweans.”
He said investments have been buttressed by the successful completion of several projects in a number of fields, including mining, agriculture, infrastructure development, energy, and the environment, worth mentioning key projects are the construction of the New Parliament Building in Mount Hampden which is the jewel in the crown of the relationship, construction of the national pharmaceutical warehouse in Harare and rehabilitation and Upgrading of the R.G. Mugabe International Airport in Harare.
Dr Chiwenga said China has also assisted Zimbabwe with human resource development through provision of scholarships for Zimbabwean students to study in China as well as provision of on the job training.
“This has seen our nationals being trained at companies such as the Chinese tile factory in Norton and the Dinson Iron and Steel Company in Manhize.
“This support has been critical in filling the void created by the brain drain which has been occasioned by the illegal economic sanctions imposed on us by the western countries,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa said Zimbabwe was most grateful to the People’s Republic of China for having joined other countries in the clarion call for the removal of these illegal measures.
He said was also pleased to note that China has remained a key Strategic partner for Zimbabwe in the health sector.
“Government has received medical equipment, supplies, PPES and donations of Covid-19 vaccines. These donations provide ample testimony that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is committed to assist the country to achieve herd immunity,” she said.
Dr Chiwenga said Zimbabwe also welcome the social corporate responsibility exhibited by some Chinese companies through various projects undertaken in our communities across the country.
He also congratulated the Communist Party of China on successfully holding the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China and the re-election of President Xi Jinping as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission in October last year.
Minister Mutsvangwa said his re-election attests to his phenomenal leadership qualities, loyalty, patriotism and confidence that the people of China have in his leadership.
“As I reiterate my warm congratulations on the advent of the Chinese Lunar New Year, I wish to underline that the Government of the Republic of Zimbabwe looks forward to continue working closely with the People’s Republic of China, to further consolidate the bilateral cooperation between our two friendly nations.”