‘Let’s concretise bilateral deals with China’

Source: ‘Let’s concretise bilateral deals with China’ – herald

Ivan Zhakata

Herald Correspondent

ZIMBABWE has called for the accelerated implementation of bilateral economic agreements with China and urged a shift from negotiations to concrete action aimed at boosting trade, investment and industrialisation.

Speaking at the opening of the 11th Session of the Zimbabwe–China Joint Commission on Economic, Technical and Trade Cooperation (JETC) in Harare yesterday, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira said focus should now be on delivering measurable economic outcomes.

“Our focus must shift from agreements to immediate implementation, resolving challenges and setting clear timelines for our strengthened cooperation,” Murwira said.

“The success of this session will be measured not by signatures, but by tangible results, realised investments, newly developed value chains, job creation and improved livelihoods for both our peoples.”

Zimbabwe’s partnership with China, he said, has evolved into an “all-weather community with a shared future” and remained central to the country’s economic diplomacy, industrialisation agenda and Vision 2030 development strategy.

Chinese Assistant Minister of Commerce Mr Zhang Li, was represented during the session by Mr Gichi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Zimbabwe to the People’s Republic of China.

Prof Murwira welcomed China’s zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries and said the policy presented an opportunity for Zimbabwe to increase exports to the Chinese market following the country’s first blueberry shipment to China in July 2026.

“Zimbabwe welcomes the People’s Republic of China’s zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries and the Unified Quarantine Announcement, which present opportunities to expand and diversify exports,” he said.

The minister, however, said Zimbabwe wanted negotiations on the proposed Early Harvest Agreement to tackle both tariff and non-tariff barriers instead of focusing solely on tariff reductions.

“Zimbabwe’s immediate focus is to address tariff and non-tariff barriers together,” Minister Murwira said, adding that the country preferred simultaneous progress on trade facilitation and resilient supply chains to achieve sustainable economic benefits.

Minister Murwira said China remained one of Zimbabwe’s largest economic partners, with investments spanning mining, infrastructure, manufacturing and mineral beneficiation.

He cited major Chinese-backed projects, including the Hwange Power Station expansion, the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport modernisation, lithium processing in Goromonzi and the Dinson Iron and Steel Plant in Manhize as evidence of deepening economic cooperation.

Minister Murwira also invited more Chinese firms to invest in industrial parks, transport corridors, mineral beneficiation and joint venture projects, while assuring investors that Zimbabwe was working to maintain a stable and predictable business environment.

The minister said Zimbabwe will also use upcoming trade and tourism exhibitions, including the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo and the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, to attract Chinese investors and expand commercial ties.

Minister Murwira said the deliberations were expected to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation in line with the vision of Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Xi Jinping, with greater emphasis on investment, value addition and employment creation.

The JETC meeting brought together officials from Zimbabwe and China to review progress in bilateral economic, technical and trade cooperation and chart priorities for future collaboration.

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