rki.news
HARARE, Feb. 8: Zimbabwe’s economic cooperation with China is expected to gain renewed momentum in the coming year, a senior government minister has said, highlighting expanding trade, investment and skills development between the two countries.
Speaking during Chinese New Year celebrations in Harare, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Development Monica Mutsvangwa described the bilateral relationship as enduring and mutually beneficial. She said the Year of the Horse symbolizes vigor and perseverance, reflecting the strength of ties between the two nations.
Mutsvangwa emphasized the critical role of SMEs in Zimbabwe’s economy, noting that they contribute more than 60 percent of the country’s GDP. She stressed the need for enhanced digital skills, greater market access and technology transfer to improve competitiveness. Increased cooperation with China, she said, would help local enterprises scale up and integrate into global markets.
The minister cited her recent visit to China with 53 Zimbabwean SMEs as part of efforts to facilitate learning from Chinese companies that evolved from small businesses into global corporations. She described China’s development model as a source of inspiration for Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 agenda, which aims to achieve upper-middle-income status.
Mutsvangwa also highlighted the impact of Chinese investment in infrastructure, mining, steel manufacturing and cement production, noting that such projects have created employment opportunities, particularly for youth.
She reaffirmed that Zimbabwe and China continue to build a “win-win partnership” rooted in historical solidarity and focused on shared economic growth.