By His Excellency Zhou Ding, China's Ambassador to Zimbabwe
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Over the past 75 years, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have achieved historic feats on the path to Chinese modernization, transforming China from an impoverished and war-torn country into a thriving one.
Adhering to people-centered development philosophy, China has lifted nearly 100 million people out of poverty, set up the world’s largest educational system, social security system and medical care system. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC held this year has set the overall goals of further deepening comprehensive reform and opening up. China is determined to further advance Chinese modernization characterized by common prosperity for all, material and cultural-ethical progress, harmony between humanity and nature, and peaceful development.
In the past year, China has effectively responded to various risks and challenges, and continued to inject new impetus into world peace and development. With 5.2% GDP growth, China remains the world's second largest economy and the largest trading country in goods, standing as a stabilizer and source of strength despite the rising instability and uncertainty in the global economy.
China’s innovation-driven development has kept yielding fruitful outcomes. China’s new energy vehicle production and sales account for over 60% of the world, 70% of the world’s photovoltaic equipment and 60% of wind power equipment are manufactured in China, giving a strong boost to the global green transition and sustainable development. China is making the steepest cuts in the world to carbon emissions, making tremendous contributions to global climate change response. China ranks first in terms of e-commerce and mobile payment transactions in the world. According to the newly released Global Innovation Index, China ranks the first among upper middle-income economy, and remains the only middle-income economy in the GII top 30.
China has always acted as the defender, builder and contributor of the international order. China unswervingly defends the U.N.-centered international system, and the basic norms of international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter. Over the past decade, Chinese President Xi Jinping has put forward the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative respectively, which contribute Chinese solution to improving global governance, responding to global challenges. China supports true multilateralism that is based on international law, in accordance with the principle of equity and justice, in pursuit of win-win cooperation. China advocates an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally-beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.
The recently concluded Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has set a new monument for China-Africa relations and a stellar example for South-South cooperation. It sends a strong message of China and Africa seeking common development, demonstrates the firm determination of the Global South working together in solidarity.
In the past year, the China-Zimbabwe relations have achieved an all-round leap, with His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s state visit to China as the highlight. The historic visit marks a new milestone in our bilateral relations. The two heads of states, H.E. President Xi Jinping and H.E. President Mnangagwa agreed to establish a "five-star ironclad" cooperation framework. The two sides issued a joint statement on deepening and enhancing the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation and building a high-level China-Zimbabwe community with a shared future. 17 documents of cooperation were signed.
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I personally had the honor of accompanying His Excellency’ s delegation all the way during the visit. There have been so many memorable moments during this visit, some of which were shown in the short video just now, and of course, H.E.’s trip down memory lane at the military College in Nanjing, where he honed his military skills in 1960s, is among the most touching.
Over the past year, the frequent high level exchanges have truly intensified our relations. More than ten Zimbabwean ministers have paid fruitful visits to China while some senior Chinese government officials also visited Zimbabwe.
The past year has also witnessed fruitful results in our practical cooperation. China has remained Zimbabwe's largest source of investment and major trading partner. Our two way trade volume reached a record high of 3.12 billion USD in 2023, with a year-on-year increase of 30%. Chinese companies continue to increase investment in Zimbabwe, generating huge foreign exchange income and tax revenue, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs, and addressing infrastructure needs and energy deficits for our all-weather friend Zimbabwe.
In the past year, both the New Parliament Building and Robert Mugabe International Airport Expansion Project supported by China, have been fully completed, and handed over to Zimbabwe. In response to Zimbabwe’s food shortage caused by the El Nino-induced drought, China has delivered two batches of food assistance worth 40 million RMB, another two batches worth 80 million RMB will be delivered soon to address the pressing needs of the most vulnerable communities. After more than 1,000 China-aided boreholes across the country being completed, another 300 boreholes project supported with Chinese government grant is being implemented. To promote rural development and poverty reduction, China intends to build 100 solar-powered facilities and to upgrade multiple irrigation systems for Zimbabwe in the next couple of years.
In the past year, the China medical team has treated over 6200 patients across the country. They’ve also set up telemedicine service platform and trained more than 150 local doctors and nurses. Next year, They aim to deliver free medical services to more than 10000 people in 10 provinces. Another medical team from China will come to carry out Brightness Action program, performing free cataract surgeries for 600 patients from the most vulnerable communities. The Chinese Agricultural Experts Group continues to assist rural communities to upgrade agricultural facilities and improve agricultural skills. Meanwhile, our embassy has continued our efforts to empower Zimbabwean youth, women, and vulnerable groups through our Hope Harbour Projects. I feel deeply encouraged by the fact that the Chinese companies in Zimbabwe have spent more than 100 million US dollars on more than 70 CSR projects in the past ten years to benefit local communities.
Our educational and cultural programs continue to complement Zimbabwean government’s effort in attaining the goals of Heritage-Based Education 5.0. In the past year, China provides more than 100 scholarships to Zimbabwean students. Around 700 Zimbabwean friends from all walks of life have attended various training programs in China. During the FOCAC Beijing Summit, we proudly held the China-Zimbabwe Stone Sculpture Exhibition in Beijing. Zimbabwe’s traditional arts are now enjoying greater popularity in China.
As a Chinese saying goes, "When brothers are of the same mind, they can cut metal through." There is also an African saying that goes, “If you want to go far, go together.”Looking ahead, China and Zimbabwe will continue to stand together through thick and thin. China will always be a trustworthy partner on Zimbabwe's path to modernization and Vision 2030.
We chose the African Heritage Village to celebrate the Chinese National Day, as we understand that the African Heritage is the common heritage of the whole world which provides wisdom, inspiration and strength for our common future. Just as H.E. President Mnangagwa said during his visit to China: "Our development must be based on who we are, and we should not lose our characteristics."
Today, as we honor the valued African heritage and the spiritual heritage of Zimbabwean liberation struggle here, I’m also delighted to present you with a variety show by the Art Troupe from Shanxi province of China, and a Chinese Food Festival by the Chinese community here in Harare. I am also proudly inviting some Zimbabwean artists to join us in this celebration. Let us enjoy and appreciate the unique cultural heritage and the cultural diversity of both China and Zimbabwe.
