It is my singular honour and privilege to host today's eeception for China-Zimbabwe Human Resources Development (HRD) Cooperation 2024 at the Chinese embassy.
A warm welcome to all of you!
First of all, please allow me to congratulate you once again on completing your fruitful visits to China.
I would also like to seize this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for your unwavering commitment and long-standing dedication to the friendship between China and Zimbabwe.
Human resources development cooperation (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.
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Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends,
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.
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 nine months of 2024, the trade volume reached US$ billion, close to the whole year’s figure of 2023 which was US$3.12 billion.
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.
As strategic partner and all weather friend, China has always answered the calls from 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 USD$6 million, another two batches valued more than US$ 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.
Bearing that in mind, China’s assistance to Zimbabwe has not been limited to the fields such as infrastructural building, industrial production and humanitarian aid, etc.
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 10 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.
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 industrialisation, modernisation 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.
Here I would also like to emphasise that our HRD cooperation 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 learners. I really look forward to hearing your comments, insights, and your stories regarding your visits to China and our bilateral relations.
To conclude, I extend my best wishes for our future HRD cooperation.
May this reception serve as a catalyst for forging enduring partnerships, facilitating robust collaborations, and creating remarkable success stories that will further strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two peoples.
Next year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries.
I look forward to more cooperation with you all to celebrate the important anniversary and our joint achievements.
Once again, thank you all for coming and my special thanks also go to friends from the local media, thank you so much for your hard work and your support.
As Christmas and the new year approaching, I wish you all happiness, health and a prosperous year of 2025.
*Zhou Ding is China’s ambassador to China. Zhou delivered the speech at ‘My Stories with China’ – A Reception for China-Zimbabwe Human Resources Development Cooperation in 2024.
