Story by Online Reporter
THE Chinese Embassy has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering even closer collaboration with all partners in Zimbabwe, including government agencies, business organisations and investors to improve the operating environment, strengthen regulatory compliance and enhance the ease of doing business.
Addressing the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Business Review Conference in Harare, Chinese Ambassador His Excellency Zhou Ding highlighted the importance of partnership-driven economic cooperation, noting that deeper coordination among all stakeholders is essential for advancing Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
“The Chinese Embassy looks forward to fostering even closer collaboration with all partners, including government agencies and business organisations, to facilitate the smooth, efficient and lawful operations of Chinese enterprises, to further optimise Zimbabwe’s business environment, to address the challenge weighing on the ease of doing business and to ensure strict compliance by all investors with laws and regulations.
China and Zimbabwe have always been sincere friends. As Zimbabwe strives to build a modern, industrialised, upper-middle-income economy under H. E. President ED Mnangagwa’s mantra of “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo,” China will always stand with Zimbabwe and provide our unwavering support,” he said.
The remarks come as 2025 marks a significant milestone, the 45th anniversary of China–Zimbabwe diplomatic relations and the elevation of bilateral ties to an “All-weather Community with a Shared Future”.
“The year 2025 is a year of remarkable achievements for our bilateral relations, a year that marks the 45th anniversary of China-Zimbabwe diplomatic relations and the elevation of our bilateral ties to an All-weather Community with a Shared Future. This is an opportune moment to reflect on our shared achievements and the renewed opportunities ahead. We take great pride in the robust and dynamic partnership between our two countries. Our high-level exchanges have been dynamic,” Ambassador Ding said.
According to the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA), nearly 500 Chinese companies have registered in Zimbabwe since January, with projected investments of US$2.5 billion. More than one-third of these investments are in manufacturing, underscoring China’s backing for Zimbabwe’s value addition, beneficiation and industrialisation drive.
“In 2025, Chinese assistance and investment projects continue to benefit communities across Zimbabwe. China remains Zimbabwe’s largest source of foreign investment. According to ZIDA, close to 500 new Chinese businesses have registered in Zimbabwe since January, with projected investments totalling US$2.5 billion. Notably, over one-third of these investments are in manufacturing, a clear testament to China’s commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s value addition, beneficiation, and industrialisation efforts,” he said.
Other key projects include Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe’s lithium sulphate plant in Mashonaland East, additional lithium operations in Masvingo and Manicaland, and the massive Dinson Iron and Steel Company in the Midlands. Cement and fertiliser plants under construction nationwide are expected to boost local production, create jobs and increase tax revenues.
China is also supporting Zimbabwe’s transition to clean energy, with several solar power projects expected to add more than 1 000 MW to the national grid by 2028.
Ambassador Ding further highlighted China’s recent decision to grant zero-tariff treatment to exports from 53 African countries, including Zimbabwe. The policy is expected to expand market access for local products, stimulate industrial growth and create jobs.
“China has officially announced zero-tariff treatment for all exports from 53 African countries, including Zimbabwe. This policy is a game changer, it will substantially expand the access of Zimbabwean products to the Chinese market, promote local industrial growth, and further stimulate job creation. Both sides are now working diligently to implement the initiative.”
