Marking 45 years of diplomatic relations between Zimbabwe and China, Zimbabwes ambassador to China Abigail Shoniwa reviews the journey of relationship, trust and growing cooperation.
In an unique interview with China Africa Talk, she shares insights into how the two nations are building on their strong foundation to pursue wider partnerships in the future.China Africa Talk: This year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations in between Zimbabwe and China.
How would you characterize the Zimbabwe-China relationship? Could you take us through the evolution of this friendship and share some key highlights?Ambassador Abigail Shoniwa: Thank you so much.
And youve come at the right time as we are celebrating our 45th self-reliance anniversary.
Zimbabwe and China have actually taken pleasure in excellent relationship, a strong and solid foundation in their relationship, which extends back many years ago to the pre-independence age.
Its been a journey and that relationship has grown stronger and more powerful.
The two countries respect each others sovereignty and assistance each others core interests.
I see the advancement of the relationship in 3 stages.
The very first stage would be the pre-independence stage and you are looking at around 1960 to 1980 when we got self-reliance.
The second phase will be the first half of the post-independence, 1980 up to the early 2000s.
The next phase is what I call the third phase and you are looking at early 2000 to now.If I can just rapidly run through the phases as I see them, throughout the pre-independence stage, China was there with us for product assistance and training for our freedom war fighters and this laid a strong foundation for the relationship.
So its a friendship that is actually anchored on the free Zimbabwe we delight in today.
Which support continues to today.
And that stage was the root, and like a tree or a plant with strong roots, it can stand up to the storms.
Thats how I define our relationship with China.
Its growing stronger and stronger.The next stage was post-independence and when we got independent in 1980, China was among the very first countries on April 18, in 1980 that developed diplomatic relations with Zimbabwe.
So they were there with us for the journey.
This phase from 1980 to the early 2000s, saw development and debt consolidation of closer political relationships.
The assistance continued and saw among others medical brigades being sent to Zimbabwe to support the new Zimbabwes health sector.
A number of tasks were likewise undertaken.Then the stage post the early 2000s to now, has been identified by unprecedented levels of cooperation throughout practically all sectors for financial development.
Weve seen increased investment by Chinese companies and federal government.
The Zimbabwean federal government likewise got a great deal of support from the Chinese government to undertake major facilities jobs that include new airports, health center, ICT and power stations etc.
Now there are tasks that are being implemented in industrial parks.
These developments are critical and transformational for Zimbabwe as we eagerly anticipate attaining our goal and vision 2030.
Thats how I would identify the 3 phases of the evolution of our relations with China.China Africa Talk: In what areas would you like to see deeper cooperation in between the two sides?Ambassador Abigail Shoniwa: In the new period, the areas that we see and that will be targeted for much deeper cooperation were really detailed when His Excellency, President E.D Mnangagwa came for a State check out to China last year September.
Throughout the go to, His Excellency President Xi Jinping spoke of developing an iron clad partnership in the brand-new period of cooperation in between the two countries.
During that state check out, we had actually 17 agreements signed in various sectors.
For us as an embassy and as a nation, the stage is set.
We have direction on the areas that we require to follow through.
So Zimbabwe is anticipating working closely with China to grow this cooperation.
We are looking forward to implementing the agreements for a transformational advancement of our economy.China Africa Talk: Specifically, when it pertains to emerging sectors such as digital economy and green advancement, what chances exist for Zimbabwe and China in these areas?Ambassador Abigail Shoniwa: The digital economy and green advancement are the waves of the future.
China has made remarkable progress in these areas.
Zimbabwe, therefore, has a lot to gain from China in these locations.
To that end, China and Zimbabwe are currently interacting.
A number of activities are under way consisting of Huawei is helping with constructing an information centre while ZTE dealt with Zimbabwes telecoms business.
There are a lot of chances for cooperation in these locations.
These include cooperation in providing services to e-Business, E-Commerce, industrial digitalisation that would increase efficient capability in standard markets, in addition to remote noticing, automated farming equipment and accuracy farming, GPS-route optimisation, algorithmic economy, and the gig economy.
In green development, we look forward to Chinese investors also supplying green solutions to Zimbabwes power obstacles through new energy, Photovoltaic or solar panels, hydrogen energy, wind energy plants and hydro power stations.However, as that is occurring, I believe theres still a lot more remaining in China.
You see that theyve presumed ahead.
So we are extremely starving for cooperation that will enable us in the various sectors.
We understand that the digital technologies can be utilized in farming, in health, in our factories and lots of other sectors.
We have a lot to gain from China, which knowing can be done through our cooperation, through financial investment from Chinese business.
Ive simply pointed out the two companies, however we are eagerly anticipating having more coming in.China Africa Talk: The world is going through profound transformation.
In your viewpoint, how can nations of the Global South, including Zimbabwe and China, collaborate to handle growing uncertainties and challenges?Ambassador Abigail Shoniwa: The world is presently faced with some serious challenges, and simmering geopolitical tensions which if not managed can really turn things upside down.
Today, we are taking a look at the growing protectionism threatening the world order.
The protectionism brought major interruptions to international trade.
It depends on countries like Zimbabwe and other like-minded countries or possibly in the Global South, to stand together to develop a fair; just and equitable financial order.
We eagerly anticipate nations like huge economies such as China for the leadership to rally around all others and see if we can handle this interruption.
A lot of our countries might really suffer serious consequences, if we do not discover a solution.
The multilateralism is under attack, and it is our hope that if we rally around the management of big countries like China to combat protectionism and build genuine multilateralism.China Africa Talk: Were seeing more females take on management roles in governance.
You are Zimbabwes first female ambassador to China.
What has your experience resembled as a female ambassador? What are a few of the benefits and challenges? Could you share a bit about your personal journey and what has formed you along the method? Ambassador Abigail Shoniwa: I need to express gratitude to my President for the deployment to represent him in this country, to serve my nation.
Its a humbling experience and dont take it for approved.
Being the first female ambassador, interesting yes, however there have actually been other firsts in other places! We constantly appreciate other women as we did growing up.Coming back to my history, after college, I signed up with civil service.
And Im grateful I went up the ranks, and before I got released as an ambassador, I was Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
I was likewise the very first female Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce because independence.
I also wish to acknowledge that I have actually gotten support from coworkers and subordinates.
I have gotten is assistance.
I have actually not had an obstacle throughout my work since Im in a particular position.
And being a lady, what I know and what Ive experienced is as you increase and as a woman, you tend to work much harder because you wish to prove that you can do it.
Yes, you need to balance household responsibilities along with do your finest to carry out.
Im grateful for the assistance that I have actually gotten, and I would want to say, as soon as again that Im so grateful for the opportunity to serve my country.China Africa Talk: How do you see the growing function and effect of ladies in nationwide governance and global diplomacy?Ambassador Abigail Shoniwa: As women in the world, I think we have shown that women are equal to the task as males.
And as we have actually been given opportunities, I think more can be done.
I do not have the actual data.
I think we still discover fewer women in management roles.
Im talking about the whole world.
Maybe I can come down to our region.
I think that cry is still there that we require more women in management functions, in boards of business or heads of business, in government, in international companies etc.China Africa Talk: Zimbabwes Kirsty Coventry has made history as the very first female and first African to lead the International Olympic Committee.
What does her achievement imply for Zimbabwe, for Africa and for women around the world?Ambassador Abigail Shoniwa: Oh yes, she did it and well done! Its an indication that it can be done.
We know her history and as an Olympian breaking records and a government minister.
Not only is she a first lady to do it, she is very first African and a girl.
And support is key.
And Zimbabwe is really delighted.
Shes done us happy.
She is done Africa proud.
She is done us women proud.China Africa Talk: Later this year, China will host the Global Leaders Meeting on Gender Equality and Womens Empowerment in Beijing, marking the anniversary of the 1995 World Conference on Women in Beijing.
What are your expectations for this event?Ambassador Abigail Shoniwa: Weve read about this anniversary coming in the latter half of this year.
I believe it will be a time for reflection.
Ive just been commenting that maybe more requirements to be provided for ladies.
The conference would most likely be taking stock of where are all of us these years since the 1995 conference.
And what have we done? What have we not done and what can be done going forward? I believe its a great moment for taking stock of what has actually been achieved of the goals or resolutions set out.
And then we work for the next 30 years.China Africa Talk: What have you observed on Chinas advancement throughout your period here? Can you share one or two stories?Ambassador Abigail Shoniwa: It will be a lot of stories.
The rate of advancement that you observe when youre in this country is simply amazing.
I am privileged.
I had the chance of serving at this embassy as an officer in early 2006 to 2009.
And Im returning here 15 years later.
And what you see and what was then is just remarkable.
Theres a lot modification.
So it ends up being extremely difficult for me to just separate one item.
Perhaps is the technology.
I think the pace of technology and use of AI is impressive.
And how it is being used to make life simple and how it has actually been shared to even old people or to the rural neighborhoods is incredible.
One other observation is that Ive taken a trip a bit in the provinces by train and by air, but more by train.
The country is green.
The method trees have been planted.
Many watering plans around and individuals are busy.
Its rather exciting.
There is a lot to learn.
We are really looking forward to complying with China, however are also looking forward to more investors coming to Zimbabwe and invest in the different locations that Ive pointed out.
And we are also very curious in discovering their innovations, sharing those and see how far we go.China Africa Talk: What are you a few of your essential concerns as Zimbabwes Ambassador to China? What would you like to accomplish throughout your term?Ambassador Abigail Shoniwa: During my term, in short, I want to see more financial investments, more investors from China to Zimbabwe, who will boost productivity, worth addition of items and increase exports of items from Zimbabwe to China.
Were looking forward to increase the exports.
The other problem is we are anticipating a boost in tourism.
Zimbabwe has terrific locations for tourist, wonderful heritage, culture, and wonderful individuals.
We are eagerly anticipating investors in tourism facilities.
There are a great deal of stunning and a range of tourism infrastructure in China such as hotels, conference centers, and so on.
Im looking forward to financiers entering tourism and tourist figures arising.There is likewise a lot of cooperation in cultural cooperation, but I would want to point out education.
We are eagerly anticipating increase cooperation in the education sector, so that our individuals and our trainees can get capacitation.
Not simply Zimbabwean students, even those that are pertaining to work are refreshed and discover brand-new things here.
The list is getting enough time.
The list is getting longer.
Well attempt our finest.
We are getting a great deal of assistance.
We are weve been taking part in a variety of companies and a variety of provincial authorities.
We will do it.
Well do our finest.