Story by ZBC Reporter
THE Seminar on Culture and Tourism Development has concluded in Beijing, China, with Zimbabwe and China reaffirming commitments to deepen cooperation across culture, tourism and related economic sectors.
Discussions covered a wide range of themes, including China’s modernisation roadmap, leadership philosophy, tourism development strategies, Zimbabwe–China economic relations and trade overview, as well as cultural and tourism cooperation. Delegates exchanged knowledge and experiences aimed at strengthening the already established ties between Harare and Beijing.
The Zimbabwean delegation also toured several key tourism and cultural sites in China, among them the Great Wall, Zhejiang Huanglong Sports Centre, rural tourism facilities in Wuxing District, Beijing National Stadium, Beijing Olympics Museum, China National Arts and Crafts Museum, Cultural Industrial Park and the Beijing 798 Art District.
The visits exposed the delegation to China’s approach to integrating culture and tourism, with emphasis on preserving and monetising heritage sites, creating employment and generating revenue for the national treasury.
Speaking at the closing ceremony in Beijing this Wednesday, Academy for International Business Officials Deputy Director, Executive Department, Mr Wu Hao said relations between Zimbabwe and China had become a model for China–Africa cooperation.
“Cooperation is the cornerstone of success, and win-win is the common desire for developing countries. As the world’s largest developing nation, China has always stood resolutely with its African brothers and sisters. The development of China-Zimbabwe relations, in particular, has become a model of China-Africa Cooperation. With the official implementation of China’s Zero-Tariff Policy on African countries starting in May this year, a preferential channel has been opened for Zimbabwe to exploit the Chinese market. This policy can effectively promote exports and create employment and improve livelihoods on the African continent,” Mr Hao said.
He added that the engagement had given fresh impetus to China–Zimbabwe relations, which marked 45 years in 2025.
Deputy Director in Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Mr Reward Shockson expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with China’s cultural and tourism development systems.
“Team Zimbabwe is full of gratitude and inspiration. Our journey in the People’s Republic of China has been transformative. We have had the privilege to engage with remarkable professionals and experts, immersing ourselves in rich cultural experiences and witnessing firsthand the successful integration of culture, tourism and economic growth, ” he said.
The two-week seminar brought together a 32-member Zimbabwean delegation drawn from the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.
