Source: The Herald – Breaking news.
Cde Mashaba 
Africa Moyo
A ZANU PF delegation, which included Politburo members and directors, has returned from a week-long exchange programme in China, expressing optimism about the potential for increased investments from the Far East.
The visit, hosted by the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC), celebrated the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Zimbabwe and China.
Zanu PF and the CPC also exchanged notes on governance so they could continue to improve the lives of the people.
The delegation was led by Cde Elifas Mashaba, Secretary for Business and Liaison. Other notable members included Cde Supa Mandiwanzira, Secretary for Local Government; Deputy Principal of the Chitepo School of Ideology Cde Ernest Dube; Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association chairman Cde Cephas Ncube; and Secretary for Labour and Employment Creation in the Women’s League Cde Maidei Mpala.
In an interview, Cde Mashaba reported that the delegation effectively showcased Zimbabwe’s investment potential, attracting significant interest from various sectors.
“Riding on His Excellency, the President, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s mantra, ‘Zimbabwe is open for business,’ we were able to attract quite a number of companies that have a desire to come and invest in the country,” he said.
Particular interest was noted in the mining sector, especially regarding lithium, which is becoming increasingly valuable on the global market due to its use in the manufacture of batteries used in electric vehicles.
Additionally, there were discussions about opportunities in agriculture, including farming and the manufacture of farming inputs such as tractors.
Cde Mandiwanzira said the visit was not merely a celebratory occasion but an invaluable learning experience.
“The invitation to the 45th celebration of diplomatic relations between Zimbabwe and China by the two ruling parties was not necessarily an occasion of popping champagne bottles, but really an opportunity to learn how the CPC and China have developed since their own independence to today,” he said.
Cde Mandiwanzira highlighted the rapid economic and technological advancements in China as a source of inspiration for Zimbabwe.
“The rapid economic development that we have witnessed is nothing but an inspiration to us within Zanu PF and to Zimbabwe as a whole,” he said.
Cde Mandiwanzira pointed out that if China could evolve from a peasant society to an advanced economy, Zimbabwe could also achieve similar growth given its resource endowments.
He also praised the development of Chongqing, a city located in the western part of China, noting its success as a logistics hub despite being landlocked.
“The fact that they have developed the city into such a powerful economy shows that Zimbabwe, given its strategic location within the SADC region, can also thrive without a sea,” said Cde Mandiwanzira.
He envisioned Zimbabwe as a potential logistics hub for Southern Africa, facilitating trade with countries like the DRC, Zambia, Malawi, and Botswana.
“Located right in the centre of Southern Africa, Zimbabwe can be the logistics hub of SADC, with goods coming through Beira into Harare,” he said.
Cde Mandiwanzira reinforced President Mnangagwa’s push for value addition to the nation’s mineral resources.
Zimbabwe is blessed with about 63 known minerals, and if value addition were done, more revenue could be generated. “China has been able to beneficiate a lot of its minerals to build a strong industry,” Cde Mandiwanzira noted, advocating for similar strategies in Zimbabwe.
He said discussions were held with enterprises interested in Zimbabwe’s lithium resources.
The city of Chongqing expressed interest in how it could cooperate with Zimbabwe, focusing on the potential for joint ventures to process and manufacture lithium batteries.
Overall, the delegation returned from China with renewed hope and a strategic vision for Zimbabwe’s economic future.
COMMENTS
Why do we Zimbabweans tolerate one of our “political parties ” to apparently “negotiate” with another political party in a foreign land ( Chinese Communist Party ) on our behalf.
Certainly , many would claim that ZANU and their doctrine sit well with traditional Communist Party ideology – however – are any outcomes likely to become ZIM. Govt. policy – and are we likely to have a say and share any gain ?? ZANU Democracy at work >> BAD MUTI !