Chinese ambassador pledges more support to Zimbabwe

Creative presentations of modern and traditional Chinese and Zimbabwean music theatrical performances reverberated at the University of Zimbabwe's Beit Hall on Saturday, marking the celebration of the Chinese New Year in Zimbabwe as a testament to the realized social, economic, and political achievements between the two nations.

The event drew extensive support from various industries, including mining, banking, farming, construction, aviation, and hospitality sectors, showcasing the flourishing business ties managed by Chinese enterprises in Zimbabwe.

A carefully curated lineup of nearly 15 artists, which began with the vibrant Dancing Lions Celebrate the New Year performance by the Dream Show Art Troupe, captivated the audience and set the stage for an evening of celebration. Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding emphasized that the year 2024 was one of numerous accomplishments.

Ambassador Zhou highlighted that the Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is a time of family reunion, sharing love, and blessings. He noted the deep-rooted importance of tradition and cultural heritage in fostering prosperity and unity between China and Zimbabwe.

"2024 has been a year of bumper harvests for our bilateral relations. I have witnessed the completion and commissioning of monumental projects, driven by either Chinese government support or private sector investments," said Zhou.

"These ongoing projects have injected new momentum into Zimbabwe's socio-economic development. China remains a reliable friend of Zimbabwe, and our fraternal relations continue to grow stronger. Today, as we celebrate the Chinese New Year, we also honor the enduring partnership between our two countries," he added.

Ambassador Zhou also previewed that the upcoming year, 2025, would be the Year of the Snake on the Chinese Lunar calendar. He extended his best wishes for a prosperous and healthy Year of the Snake, symbolizing wisdom, transformation, and creativity.

Steve Zivanayi Zhao, CEO of the China Zimbabwe Exchange Centre, and Zijing Liu directed the event smoothly, managing an impressive array of performances featuring renowned artists such as Nyasha David, Fusion 5 Mangwiro, and Mwenje Matole from the Dream Show Art Troupe, along with Xiong Nengzi, Liu Zheng, and SunTing from Tongfu Hotel, Zhao Fang, Probeats and Tafara, Jin Xing, Traditional Marimba, and Zhou Mei.

Zhao expressed his excitement about the New Year celebrations, seeing them as a reflection of the hard work and achievements of many Chinese companies in Zimbabwe in 2024.

Zijing Liu echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism for increased Chinese investments and business ties in Zimbabwe in 2025. He envisioned a future of peace, tranquility, and cooperative economic growth between the two nations.

Monalisa Sigauke from Stanbic Bank affirmed the institution's support for the China-Africa Corridor, highlighting the bank's Chinese desk aimed at easing business operations and fostering financial benefits.

Jack Li, who operates Four Seasons Irrigation Company, shared his company's successful expansion across Zimbabwe, which has enabled increased access to farming resources for numerous local farmers.

Representatives from PG and Sunny Yi Feng Companies also emphasized the importance of smart investments, focusing on resilient housing and infrastructure development to support Zimbabwe's growth.