A renowned Chinese economist, Professor Lingyun Xiang, has been appointed as the Special Economic Advisor to the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in China. His appointment was announced by the Zimbabwe ambassador to China, Amb. Martin Chedondo.
During the announcement in Beijing, Amb. Chedondo expressed his elation on this historical occasion. He also expressed the gratitude of the people of the Republic of Zimbabwe to the U.S.-based Prof. Xiang for his impactful contributions to the socio-economic development of the Republic of Zimbabwe. In demonstration of his belief in the abilities of Prof. Xiang, Amb. Chedondo tasked him with using his new office to put forward economic plans and advice that can help the economic recovery of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
Professor Xiang will be duly briefed on the demands of his new role, which would include taking him “through the various agreements signed between the governments of China and the Republic of Zimbabwe, including those pertaining to economic and technological cooperation, trade, and investment protection”.
The diplomatic relations between the Republic of Zimbabwe and China have been economic-focused. Hence, the appointment of Prof. Xiang is an indication of continued diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Aside from the establishment of a Joint Economic and Trade Committee for Republic of Zimbabwe and China, the Republic of Zimbabwe has received assistance from China. China’s assistance to Republic of Zimbabwe has been more infrastructural and includes the famous “Harare National Sports Stadium, hospitals, schools, dams, wells, and garment factories.
They have also constructed economically impactful projects such as the expansion of the Kariba South Hydroelectric Power Station, renovation of the National Defense College, a telecommunications network, Telecel Zimbabwe, and the expansion of the Victoria Water Falls Airport in South Bank, Kariba.
The Republic of Zimbabwe and China are also longtime trade partners. China considers Republic of Zimbabwe an important trade ally, as they rely on them for the importation of tobacco, chromium ore, and Nickel ore. On the other hand, the Republic of Zimbabwe depends on China for machinery, electronics, and technology products.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries began in 1980 following the admission of the Republic of Zimbabwe into the community of sovereign states. They have maintained their existential relations for about three decades, and in 2018, they entered into a strategic partnership to deepen bilateral engagement in ways that can benefit both countries.
Among other things, Prof. Xiang is an “invited Economic Advisor of the Embassy of the Central African Republic in China, an invited Chief Economic Advisor of the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti in China, an invited Economic Advisor of the Republic of Liberia, the Special Economic Advisor to the Republic of Zimbabwe, and an International Charity Ambassador of the Republic of Mali”.
