Story by Fungai Jachi
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to the core principles of the Global Development Initiative particularly the need to place economic development at the centre of multilateral cooperation and development.
He said this while virtually addressing delegates who attended the first High-Level Conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development held in Beijing, China, this Sunday.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe appreciates and strongly supports President Xi Jinping’s initiative which aims at addressing the global development inequalities.
“There is no gain in saying the global development agenda has entered a critical juncture, with developing countries facing serious challenges to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is in that regard that we in Zimbabwe appreciate and strongly support President Xi Jinping’s Initiative, which aims at addressing global development inequalities,” said the President.
“We particularly value the fact that this initiative will emphasise global development partnerships that advance solidarity, equality, balanced and inclusive development. This is in line with my own government’s thrust on development which aims at leaving no one and no place behind as we race to attain our goal of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030.”
He added that Zimbabwe needs progressive partnerships if it is to attain its developmental targets.
“To attain this upper-middle income country status by 2030 and in the process realise the SDGs, Zimbabwe will need the continuing progressive partnership of countries like China. Our cooperation with China in the various fields that include, among others, energy, agriculture, health, environment, infrastructure development and mining continues to grow.
“Zimbabwe greatly appreciates the continued and increasing investment from China. Trade between our two countries has grown exponentially to US$2.4 billion by the end of 2022. This comprehensive bilateral cooperation with China has complemented my government’s efforts towards the realisation of the SDGs.
“Zimbabwe welcomes the pledge by the Chinese government to continue supporting developing countries through the Global Development Initiative (GDI). We have no doubt that with the support and cooperation from our Chinese friends, more meaningful development can be realised among developing countries like my own.”
The purpose of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development Initiative is to align and accelerate the implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The meeting was attended by high-ranking officials from 27 countries, diplomats stationed in China and representatives from over 20 United Nations agencies and other international and non-governmental organisations.
