General Rugeje Urges Chinese Investors to Turn Goodwill into Tangible Development Projects

…also urged the Chinese businessmen and women to respect their hosts and their cultures.

By Edward Makuzva

BEIJING – ZANU PF Politburo member has called on Chinese investors to transform the long-standing diplomatic goodwill between Zimbabwe and China into tangible, community-uplifting projects that drive economic growth and industrialization in line with Vision 2030.

Speaking at a Zimbabwe–China business engagement forum attended by government officials, diplomats, and business executives, Retired Lieutenant General Engelbert Rugeje commended the strong and historic relations between Harare and Beijing, describing them as a cornerstone for mutual prosperity.

“Zimbabwe and China share a special relationship that has stood the test of time,” said Rtd Lieutenant General Rugeje.

“We must now channel this friendship into practical business partnerships that create wealth, jobs, and a shared future of prosperity for our two peoples.”

He acknowledged the presence of several dignitaries, including the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland East, Hon. Advocate Itai Nduzo, and representatives from the Midlands Province, as well as the Deputy Ambassador, Comrade Moeira.

Rtd Rugeje highlighted the significant progress made by Zimbabwe in improving the investment climate, noting reforms implemented by the Second Republic to attract and protect both local and foreign investors.

“The Government of Zimbabwe has undertaken several policy and institutional reforms to make our country more attractive to investors.

We see China as a critical partner in our industrialization journey as we work toward becoming a regional manufacturing hub,” he said.

He also praised presentations made by officials from three Zimbabwean provinces—Mashonaland East, Midlands, and others—who showcased diverse investment opportunities in agriculture, mining, tourism, and manufacturing.

These presentations clearly demonstrated that Zimbabwe is open for business.

The provinces have extended a sincere invitation to Chinese investors to come and explore the immense potential that exists in various sectors of our economy,” Rtd Rugeje noted.

Highlighting the importance of trade cooperation, Rugeje pointed to new export protocols that have opened the Chinese market to Zimbabwean agricultural products.

He encouraged investors to establish joint ventures that not only serve domestic needs but also supply regional markets in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the wider African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“We urge Chinese investors to partner with Zimbabwean companies to produce for Zimbabwe, the SADC region, and the wider African market.

The opportunities are vast, and the environment is increasingly conducive to business,” he added.

Rtd Rugeje further applauded Chinese enterprises already operating in Zimbabwe, saying their success stories are a testament to the country’s improving investment conditions.

“We have heard testimonies from our Chinese friends who have invested in Zimbabwe and are thriving.

Their experiences show that Zimbabwe is indeed a land of opportunity,” he added.

In his closing remarks, General Rugeje expressed appreciation to all delegates who attended the forum, underscoring the importance of turning dialogue into deliverables.

“To the Chinese business community gathered here, you have heard about what Zimbabwe has to offer.

The goodwill between our countries must now translate into concrete projects that uplift communities and strengthen our shared development agenda,” he said.

The engagement reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s strategic commitment to deepening economic cooperation with China—an enduring partnership that continues to play a central role in the country’s pursuit of Vision 2030, which aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy.