Story by ZBC Reporter
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, His Excellency Zhou Ding, says Beijing is positioning itself to deepen political and economic cooperation with Harare as both nations prepare new development blueprints that will shape progress over the next decade.
Speaking at a seminar organised by the Southern African Research and Documentation Centre (SARDC) in Harare, Ambassador Zhou said the engagement came at a “moment of strategic importance” following the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and ZANU-PF’s recent National People’s Conference.
“The central task now is to promote Chinese-style modernisation,” he said, adding that the forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan covering 2026 to 2030 had been developed through wide public consultation. “We received more than 1.15 million suggestions. The plan reflects the aspirations of our people.”
He noted that China’s next development cycle would focus on science and technology, ecological protection, national security, cultural growth and improving public welfare. “We will continue to expand high-level opening-up and strengthen cooperation with global partners,” he told delegates.
Turning to bilateral relations, Ambassador Zhou said cooperation between Harare and Beijing had widened during China’s current five-year plan and Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). “China has been Zimbabwe’s largest trading partner for many years,” he said. “In 2024, trade between our two countries reached US$3.8 billion.”
He also cited major infrastructure projects delivered with Chinese support, including the Hwange Power Station expansion and airport modernisation works. “These are concrete examples of mutually beneficial cooperation,” he said.
With President Mnangagwa expected to launch National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), Ambassador Zhou said the alignment of NDS2 with China’s new national plan would open opportunities in energy, transport, agriculture and digital innovation. “China stands ready to synergise our strategies and support Zimbabwe in achieving Vision 2030,” he said.
He also reiterated calls for responsible investment conduct. “Chinese companies must respect Zimbabwean laws and contribute to sustainable development,” he said. “We encourage all enterprises to operate with transparency and integrity.”
The Ambassador concluded by reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to advancing ties under FOCAC frameworks. “China will work with Zimbabwe to deepen cooperation and share the dividends of development,” he said.
