Nevanji Munyaradzi Chiondegwa
Beijing, China – In a significant milestone in bilateral relations, Zimbabwe and China signed 17 Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and agreements, paving the way for enhanced cooperation in various sectors. The signing ceremony was witnessed by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Chinese counterpart, His Excellency President Xi Jinping.
The agreements aim to strengthen economic ties, promote mutual development, and facilitate cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, mining, media, and agriculture. The deals are expected to have a positive impact on Zimbabwe’s economy, particularly in the context of the country’s Vision 2030.
One of the key agreements is the establishment of an Investment and Cooperation Working Group, which will facilitate dialogue and collaboration between the two countries on investment opportunities. Another significant deal is the Cooperation Plan on Synergising the Belt and Road Initiative with Zimbabwe Vision 2030, which will enable Zimbabwe to tap into the vast resources and expertise of the Belt and Road Initiative.
In the area of trade, the two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Establishing a Working Group on Unimpeded Trade, which will help to remove trade barriers and increase trade volumes between Zimbabwe and China. A Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development was also signed, outlining the framework for cooperation in areas such as infrastructure development, industrialization, and human resource development.
Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector is expected to benefit from the signing of a Protocol for Phytosanitary Requirements for Export of Zimbabwean Fresh Avocado to China, which will enable the country to export avocados to China.
In the mining sector, a Memorandum of Understanding on Joint Promotion of Cooperation in the Mining Industry was signed, which will facilitate cooperation in areas such as mining technology, investment, and skills transfer.
The two countries also signed agreements in the area of media cooperation, including Memoranda of Understanding between China Media Group and the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Company, and The Herald of Zimbabwe. These agreements will facilitate exchange programs, cooperation in news gathering and dissemination, and training of media professionals.
Other agreements signed include a Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, Memoranda of Understanding on Cooperation on Entry and Exit Animal and Plant Quarantine, and Letters of Exchange on the Feasibility Study for Upgrading of Irrigation Facilities Project and Human Resource Development Cooperation in Railways Management.
The signing of these agreements is a significant step forward in the bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and China, and demonstrates the commitment of both countries to strengthen cooperation and promote mutual development.
The agreements were signed on the sidelines of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) 2024, which is being held in China this week.
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