Story by Justin Mahlahla
The People’s Republic of China has reiterated its commitment to growing Zimbabwe’s human capital base through skills exchange programmes and seminars covering various socio-economic aspects.
In this respect, more than 700 Zimbabweans attended training seminars and exchange programmes in different cities in China during the year 2024 alone.
The Chinese embassy in Harare this Friday held a reception for the Zimbabweans who attended training and exchange programmes in China this year.
Dubbed “My Stories with China” – the Reception for China-Zimbabwe Human Resources Development Cooperation in 2024, the event was an opportunity for Zimbabweans who visited China to also network and share their experiences.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Zhou Ding said the China-Zimbabwe Human Resources Development (HRD) Cooperation 2024 was a huge success.
“HRD is a driving force for a country’s economic and social development. Both China and Zimbabwe attach great importance to HRD and HRD cooperation between us. I am thrilled to let you know that, over the past year, approximately 700 Zimbabwean friends from diverse sectors have participated in various training and exchange programs in China, covering areas like education, finance, agriculture, health, public administration, poverty alleviation, diplomacy, tourism, railways, digital economy, green development, etc.
“The intensive and dynamic human resources development cooperation between us truly reflects the depth and width of our comprehensive strategic partnership, which was furthered strengthened during H.E President ED Mnangagwa’s state visit to China,” he said.
Ambassador Zhou reflected on the strong ties that exist between the two countries, dating back to Zimbabwe’s war of liberation.
“China and Zimbabwe enjoy cordial relations that date back to the liberation struggle. China’s political and material supports have not only contributed to Zimbabwe’s independence, but also helped sustain Zimbabwe’s economic and social progress after the independence, in particular, after the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe. We have stood together through thick and thin, the friendship between the two countries has been tried, tested and endured.”
He added, “For many years, China remains Zimbabwe’s largest source of investment and major trading partner. The Chinese investment in Zimbabwe continues to grow, our two-way trade continues to expand. In the first 9 months of 2024, the trade volume reached 3 billion USD, close to the whole year’s figure of 2023 which was 3.12 billion USD. The robust trade and investment relations between us keep yielding benefits for both of us, including the huge increase of tax revenue and employment on Zimbabwean side.”
He noted that as a strategic partner and all weather friend, China has always been ready to help Zimbabwe.
“In response to Zimbabwe’s food shortage caused by the El Nino-induced drought, China has delivered two batches of food assistance worth about 6 million USD, another two batches valued more than USD 10 million will be delivered soon, so as to address the pressing needs of the most vulnerable communities. The China-aided boreholes across the country are benefiting rural population and communities. To further promote rural development and poverty reduction, China intends to build a large number of solar-powered facilities including classrooms, and to upgrade some irrigation systems for Zimbabwe in the next couple of years.”
He added that China’s assistance to Zimbabwe has not been limited to the fields such as infrastructural building, industrial production and humanitarian aid.
“HRD cooperation has always been an integral part of our relations, as we know that talents are the most crucial resource for achieving development. The late Chinese leader Chairman Mao Zedong once stated, “Once the political line is determined, cadre becomes the decisive factor.” There is also an old Chinese saying that goes, “It takes ten years to grow trees, but a hundred years to foster talents.” Fostering talents is the common task of both our two countries and it takes lots of time and lots of hard works.”
During the Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) concluded in Beijing recently, His Excellency President Xi Jinping announced “10 partnership actions” initiative, and human resources cooperation remains a key and prominent aspect of the relations between China and Africa including Zimbabwe.
Said Ambassador Zhou, “I take pride in Zimbabwe as a country not only rich in natural resources, but also in human resources. At the same time, we all know that, to achieve Zimbabwe’s industrialization, modernization and Vision 2030, there is a pressing need for cultivating and fostering more talents. China is determined to conduct more intensive and extensive cooperation on human resources with Zimbabwe. Our commitment to expand the HRD cooperation with Zimbabwe in sectors such as digital technology, renewable energy, and sustainable development closely aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and Heritage-Based Education 5.0.”
He said the HRD cooperation initiative is not one-sided, but a two-way street.
“As our Zimbabwean friends feel the warmth and hospitality of the Chinese people, acquire the knowledge and skills, you are also teaching your Chinese friends about Zimbabwe and Africa, raising Zimbabwe’s visibility, and building Zimbabwe’s image. I personally had the chance of engaging in some interesting conversations with both Chinese trainers and Zimbabwean trainees. My colleagues in China were all impressed by the performances of our Zimbabwean friends and sometimes amazed at the level of their understanding of China, just after one or two weeks stay in China. Zimbabweans are true fast learner. I really look forward to hearing your comments, insights, and your stories regarding your visits to China and our bilateral relations.”
Government officials working in different capacities have attended China various workshops and seminars touching on subjects such as media, agricultural technology and mechanisation, power generation as well as rail and road infrastructure.
The reception was attended by, among others, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East, Hon Aplonia Munzverengwi; Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Hon. David Mnangagwa; Deputy Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Member of Parliament, Hon. Kudakwashe Mupamhanga; Deputy Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Deputy Secretary for Youth League of Zanu PF, Hon. John Paradza and the Mayor of Harare, Councillor Jacob Mafume.
