Staff Writer
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Owen Ncube, represented Zimbabwe at the 7th China International Import Expo in Shanghai, China, addressing delegates on global economic cooperation.
Invited by the Global Trade Development Federation, Ncube highlighted Zimbabwe’s commitment to inclusive development, aligning with President Mnangagwa’s vision of “leaving no one and no place behind.”
Ncube praised President Xi Jinping’s dedication to South-South Cooperation, citing Zimbabwe’s strong ties with China dating back to the liberation struggle.
He emphasized the mutual respect and development focus that underpin Zimbabwe-China relations, particularly under the leadership of President Mnangagwa and President Xi.
In his address, Ncube acknowledged Zimbabwe’s economic challenges due to sanctions but highlighted the country’s progress under the Second Republic, which has implemented policies to modernize and industrialize the economy.
Through its engagement and re-engagement policy, Zimbabwe has opened its economy to local and foreign investors, aiming to achieve upper middle-income status by 2030.
As a signatory to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Zimbabwe anticipates further cooperation with China in areas such as economic development, skills transfer, and resource management.
Ncube outlined Zimbabwe’s rich mineral resources, including gold, diamonds, lithium, and gas, as well as favorable climate and arable land as key assets for economic growth.
He also promoted investment opportunities in infrastructure, including road, rail, and power generation, highlighting Zimbabwe’s strategic location in Southern Africa, which links to international markets.
As a member of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Zimbabwe offers a gateway to Africa’s vast market of over 1.2 billion people and a combined GDP of over $3.4 trillion.
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