Story by Colette Musanyera, Arts Reporter
Zimbabwe and China have pledged to continue working together to further consolidate bilateral cooperation.
This emerged at the 2023 Chinese New Year celebrations held at 7 Arts Theatre in Harare this Friday.
The Charge D’affaires for the People’s Republic of China Mr Cheng Yan who explained what the celebrations entail, highlighted that the China-Zim cooperation is yielding tangible fruits.
“The past year has been a year of exceptional significance for China-Zimbabwe relationship and cooperation. We have witnessed fruitful cooperation achieved in various fields between our two countries and profound friendship cemented between our two peoples,” Mr Yan said.
In his keynote address, the Acting President, General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga, who was represented by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, lauded the Chinese for their investments in the country which have transferred technical expertise and create employment opportunities for Zimbabweans.
“I cannot over-emphasise the contribution that Chinese companies have made towards boosting production in the economy and in the same vein, transforming the livelihoods of Zimbabweans. The investments have been buttressed by the successful completion of several projects in a number of fields including mining, agriculture, infrastructure development, energy and the environment.
“Worth mentioning are key projects such as the construction of the New Parliament building in Mt Hampden, which is the jewel in the crown of our relationship, the construction of the National Pharmaceutical Warehouse in Harare and the upgrading of the R.G Mugabe International Airport in Harare,” he said.
China was celebrating the Advent of the Chinese Lunar New Year which is the onset of the Year of Rabbit, which symbolises longevity, peace and prosperity.
The celebrations were punctuated with music and dance.
