Good morning!We are coming to you live from State House in Harare where President Mnangagwa will preside over the signing ceremony of the Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement between the Government of Zimbabwe and the People’s Republic of China.Zimbabwe and China traditionally enjoy cordial relations.Last year, the two countries reaffirmed their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Cooperation, signing 17 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across various sectors that include agriculture, infrastructure development and mining, during President Mnangagwa’s State visit to China.Our Reporter Wallace Ruzvidzo and Photographer Believe Nyakudjara are bringing the live updates.UPDATE : President arrivesPresident Mnangagwa has arrived to preside over the ceremony.Now are the national anthem renditions for both countries.UPDATE : A testament of close tiesDirector of Ceremonies Mr Guvamatanga said the signing of the Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement is testament to Harare and Beijing’s friendship.“We are going to witness the signing of an agreement that is valued at US$55 million, as well as exchange of letters for emergency food assistance valued at US$6,9 million.“The support from China is critically important…and we are extremely grateful for the support,” he said.The Permanent Secretary of Finance said Zimbabwe is looking forward to the successful implementation of the Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement between the two countries.UPDATE : Chinese Ambassador highlights strong ties with ZimbabweChinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Zhou Ding said China cherishes its relationship with Zimbabwe, hence the Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement.Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Zhou DingOne agreement relates to technical and economic cooperation, while the second relates to Food Security.China has been a great supporter of Zimbabwe’s development efforts, especially in the wake of punitive and undeserved Western sanctions.“Since the inception of the Second Republic, we have joined hands to complete many landmark projects.“Each project represents a building block in its quest for modernisation,” he said.The Ambassador said China remains Zimabwe’s largest source of investments over the years.“…with cumulative investments exceeding US$4 billion, including over US$500 million in the past year alone,” he said.UPDATE : Zimbabwe’s all-weather friend Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has taken to the podium.Finance Minister Professor Mthuli NcubeHe expressed gratitude for the support China has rendered to various sectors in Zimbabwe.The Finance Minister also commended China for the emergency food assistance.“Indeed, China has demonstrated that they are our all-weather friend,” said Prof Ncube.China’s support focused on getting Zimbabwe out of natural disasters like Cyclones and Droughts, and in times of pandemics.A key area of Chinese positive involvement has been in respect of rebuilding and expanding Zimbabwe’s infrastructure.The stellar Manhize Iron and Steel plant is already changing Zimbabwe’s fortunes while putting the country on the global map as a supplier of iron-related products.UPDATE : Signing of Agreement now underwayUPDATE : Zimbabwe and China forge ahead with significant partnershipAs we wrap up today’s coverage, Deputy Minister of Finance Kuda Mnangagwa’s heartfelt vote of thanks underscores the significance of the newly signed Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement between Zimbabwe and China.His acknowledgment of China’s unwavering support highlights the potential impact this partnership will have on Zimbabwe’s development journey.“Today, we witness the signing of a significant agreement on economic and technical cooperation, as well as the exchange of letters with the assistance of China.“I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for their commitment to strengthening our bilateral relations,” he said.With a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, both nations are poised to embark on a path of shared growth and prosperity.Thank you for joining us as we witnessed this important milestone in Zimbabwe’s progress.Stay tuned for more updates on the developments ahead!Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave
Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald
Source: Zimbabwe Herald
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