Story by ZBC Reporter
ZIMBABWE and China are strengthening cooperation in culture and tourism, with ongoing engagements in Beijing providing valuable insights into tourism development, modernisation and industrialisation as Zimbabwe advances its National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
The Seminar on Culture and Tourism entered its second day this Friday, with discussions focusing on China’s development trajectory and the role of tourism in driving economic growth and improving livelihoods.
The deliberations come at a time when Zimbabwe is positioning tourism as a key pillar of economic transformation under NDS2, with policymakers seeking lessons from successful international models.
A major focus of the discussions was domestic tourism. China, like Zimbabwe, has prioritised local travel as a catalyst for economic activity, promoting holiday tourism through extended vacation periods and the development of rural tourism initiatives.
Zimbabwe is pursuing similar objectives through programmes such as the Meet and Greet initiative and the ZimBho campaign, which are designed to encourage citizens to explore local destinations and support the domestic tourism industry.
Engagements between the Zimbabwean delegation and Chinese facilitators, Professor Ran Jijun and Level 1 Bureau Rank Official Mr Zhou Jiucai, also highlighted the critical role of infrastructure development, efficient state-owned enterprises and strategic planning in national development.
“State-owned enterprises are key to the well-being of a nation, for instance, they secure the production chain in the energy sector. They are also key to the security of the nation. Infrastructure is being prioritised because it catapults development. If, for example, a farmer can transport his produce to the market through affordable logistics because the road network is good, he or she will be more enthusiastic to invest in the latest agricultural technologies to spur the sector because the cost of doing business is manageable,” Professor Jijun said.
The discussions also underscored the importance of balancing economic modernisation with environmental protection to ensure sustainable and inclusive development.
Zimbabwe and China continue to enjoy strong bilateral relations across multiple sectors, with ties between the two countries recently elevated to an All-Weather Community with a Shared Future, reflecting deepening cooperation and shared development aspirations.
