Gen Rugeje Deepens China-Zim Bilateral Trade Engagements

By Senior Post Reporter

Talks to deepen bilateral trade between Zimbabwe and China took centre stage with a key meeting held between the Chinese ambassador Zhou Ding and Zanu PF Secretary for Economic Affairs, Lt Gen (Rtd) Dr. Engelbert A. Rugeje on Tuesday 9th December 2025. Dr. Rugeje followed up with another meeting with the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Hon Professor Mthuli Ncube.

In his presentation to Ambassador Zhou Ding, Lt Gen (Rtd) Dr. E.A Rugeje said the pledge by China to remove tariffs on all Zimbabwe goods for export can go a long way in supporting the country’s National Development Strategy – 2 (NDS-2) recently launched by President Mnangagwa.

“This could be another opportunity for the attainment of an Empowered Upper Middle Income Economy by the Year 2030, if not earlier. In view of the above, the Party through the Department of Economic Affairs is mobilising key stakeholders such as relevant Government Ministries, ZimTrade, farmers and business representative organisations as well as other key economic departments and stakeholders in the country in order to prepare the country and our people to fully benefit from this development,” he said.

The zero tariff move is poised to increase more Zimbabwe exports to China. It also comes at a time when the United States of America (USA) has imposed a new tariff regime on most countries, including Zimbabwe and suspension of donor aid bringing some negative consequences on international trade.

Lt Gen (Rtd) Dr. E.A Rugeje said there are several Second Republic’s policies that are underway to ensure Zimbabwe benefits from several economic opportunities. “The Special Economic Zones which were created need to be streamlined to embrace the new opportunities being availed by the Chinese zero tariff policy. Furthermore, export-oriented companies must continue to benefit further tax reductions.

“Devolution and participation of Provincial Government structures with Chinese authorities is an ongoing process that continues to bring positive dividends to Harare’s good relations with Beijing. Under devolution, several provincial authorities have been receiving a fair share of opportunities to engage with China,” he said.

The discussion between Dr. Rugeje and Honourable Minister Prof Mthuli Ncube also touched on national budget priorities and alignment with NDS2.

The Zanu PF secretary for economic affairs congratulated Minister Ncube for a people centred and pro development budget proposal submitted to parliament. Lt Gen (Rtd) Dr. E.A Rugeje said Minister Ncube must continue with the broad consultations in order to carry the citizens along. In the view of Dr Rugeje, the budget is very balanced and it is critical that it is able to consolidate the macro economic stability currently prevailing and also to be able to support the aspirations of NDS 2 as we move towards the inevitable realisation of vision 2030.

Dr Rugeje will continue consultations with other ministries in the economic cluster, Foreign Affairs, and wider stakeholders as Zimbabwe positions itself to fully leverage this opportunity.

This development stands to significantly boost trade, investment, and industrial growth, strengthening the strategic partnership between China and Zimbabwe and unlocking new pathways for national prosperity.

During the 8th China International lmport Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai in November 2025, several Ministers of Provincial Affairs and Devolution and their delegations participated at the Expo. This presented an opportunity for engagement, marketing of products and goods produced in these provinces and partnership and including twinning of provinces to exchange notes on development.

A robust deliberate awareness programme will be rolled out before the commencement of the Chinese zero tariffs regime for the provinces to embrace this initiative.
Earlier this week the Chinese Embassy hosted our Deputy Chief Secretary Churu and some Ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution to discuss ways of deepening Zim-China co-operation further.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) continue to be the backbone of our country’s economy.

Dr Rugeje said they now need to be capacitated in order to meet the demands of the vast opportunities to be availed by the Chinese zero tariffs policy.
“Capacity building workshops will be initiated by the Party working with ZimTrade and other stakeholders. To this end, I also call on your esteemed office, Your Excellency to support these efforts to capacitate our businesses and entrepreneurs to meet the standards expected in the Chinese markets as we prepare them for the Zimbabwe- China Early Harvest Agreement,” he said.