Story by Jonathan Marerwa
Zimbabwe has been urged to diversify its export portfolio and increase value-added production to fully benefit from China’s zero-tariff policy, as Beijing moves to deepen support for Zimbabwe’s industrialisation drive and economic transformation.
Speaking during a media briefing in Harare, Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe, Mr Huang Minghai said the policy presents significant opportunities for Zimbabwean products to access the vast Chinese market duty-free, while also encouraging local industrial growth.
Mr Huang said Zimbabwe must broaden its export base beyond raw materials and strengthen value addition to maximise benefits under the preferential trade arrangement.
“China’s zero-tariff policy provides Zimbabwe with unprecedented access to the Chinese market. However, it is important for Zimbabwe to diversify its export portfolio and increase value-added products so that it can fully benefit from this opportunity,” he said.
China remains Zimbabwe’s largest foreign investor, with Chinese-funded projects continuing to play a major role in infrastructure development, mining, manufacturing and energy generation.
Mr Huang said Chinese investment has significantly contributed to Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda through large-scale projects that are reshaping the country’s productive sectors.
“Chinese investment has greatly boosted Zimbabwe’s manufacturing. Dinson Iron and Steel has turned the country from a steel importer into a regional exporter,” he said.
He added that Chinese-backed manufacturing companies operating in Zimbabwe have expanded production across several sectors.
“Chinese factories covering home appliances, building materials, paper and textiles have diversified local manufacturing. New cement and fertiliser plants set to open soon will make Zimbabwe a major regional supplier,” said Mr Huang.
In the mining sector, Chinese firms are also increasing investment in mineral beneficiation and processing as part of efforts to strengthen Zimbabwe’s position in global value chains.
“In the mining sector, Chinese companies are advancing mineral processing to upgrade the value chain and elevate Zimbabwe’s role in global new energy industries,” he said.
Mr Huang said cooperation between the two countries also extends to skills development and human capital investment, with Zimbabwean professionals benefiting from training programmes and vocational partnerships.
“China also boosts Zimbabwe’s human resources through training, vocational education and on-the-job skill transfer. Hundreds of Zimbabwean officials and professionals attend training programmes in China every year,” he said.
He noted that Chinese vocational institutions are working with Zimbabwean counterparts to train technical personnel required by industries operating in the country.
Mr Huang said China remains committed to strengthening practical cooperation with Zimbabwe under principles of mutual benefit and shared development.
“China’s zero-tariff policy and support in industrialisation embody the principles of sincerity, equality and mutual benefit. It connects China’s huge market, capital and technology capability with Zimbabwe’s agricultural and mineral resources, strongly supporting Zimbabwe’s economic diversification and industrialisation,” he said.
He added that the Chinese Embassy would continue supporting Zimbabwe in attracting investment and expanding access to the Chinese market.
“We stand ready to deepen practical cooperation, translate policy advantages into tangible development outcomes, and deliver greater benefits to both peoples,” said Mr Huang.
