China pledges more support for Zimbabwe

China has pledged to deepen its strategic partnership with Zimbabwe to help achieve targets under Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and Vision 2030. These plans aim to transform Zimbabwe into an empowered upper middle-income society through initiatives focusing on economic growth, food security, governance, human capital, environmental protection, housing, the digital economy, health, infrastructure, and international engagement.

Speaking at the launch of the Zvimba Farmers' Cooperative Club, Chinese Ambassador Zhou Ding reaffirmed China's commitment to Zimbabwe's development, emphasizing cooperation in agriculture and sustainable development. He highlighted China's efforts in improving agricultural infrastructure, such as drilling boreholes and building irrigation projects, and supporting local agricultural production.

China has also provided significant food assistance, particularly following droughts, and has been involved in technology transfer through the China-aid Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centre in Zimbabwe. The establishment of demonstration villages in Mashonaland West and Shamva District aims to share Chinese agricultural expertise.

The Chinese support extends to specific projects like the donation of indigenous chickens and rabbits to farmers, enhancing local agriculture. Minister of Provincial Affairs Marian Chombo praised these efforts, emphasizing their alignment with Zimbabwe's development goals, including the Presidential Rural Development Programme, which aims to drill boreholes in every village to support agricultural activities and ensure water access.

Chombo urged local farmers to utilize provided resources effectively, highlighting the potential for improved livelihoods and economic growth through value addition and sustainable agricultural practices.