Staff Reporter
Manicaland province is set to host one of Africa’s largest pine resin processing plants, an initiative that will produce essential products such as rubber, tyres and chewing gums.
The Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza presided over the ground-breaking ceremony in Chikanga, Mutare this Monday, where a Chinese company Song Yuan will construct its US$10 million pine resin processing plant.
Presiding over the ceremony, Minister Advocate Misheck Mugadza, emphasized that the project aligns with President Mnangagwa’s vision for massive rural industrialization, ensuring no one and no place is left behind in creating employment opportunities.
"The success of this rural industrialization project in Mutasa District is a culmination of determined efforts by the Government and the private sector to bring significant development to the people of Zimbabwe, particularly in our province.
“Once fully operational, the Chinese company which is collaborating with Allied Timbers, is expected to employ around 2,500 workers, predominantly local villagers," said Minister Mugadza.
Minister Mugadza highlighted the project’s environmental benefits, and urged Song Yuan to prioritize hiring local residents to foster economic growth in the community.
“The pine resin tapping is a new forestry chemical engineering venture that is environmentally friendly and maximizes the added value of pine. The processing plant will be the first of its kind in Africa, with its products being utilized in various industries, including medicine, food, paint, spices, and cosmetics.
"This investment will create local economic growth and bring significant investment to Manicaland, totaling US$10 million. It ensures everyone thrives in the timber industry and showcases what can be achieved through collaboration," he stated.
Allied Timbers CEO, Remigio Nenzou, highlighted the financial benefits of the collaboration, noting that it generates US$500,000 annually for his company.
"This project, which started as a familiarization tour to Tanzania in 2022, has materialized into a significant revenue-generating venture. Song Yuan has produced one million trees to date, and we hope other commercial forestry companies will support this substantial investment," said Nenzou.
Song Yuan director, Zhao Guisheng, expressed excitement about the project's commencement.
"Today is a great day as the long-awaited construction of the Song Yuan Forestry Plant, with an annual output of 10,000 tonnes, has finally begun. We appreciate the contributions of Allied Timbers and other partners. This project will fill the market gap in the resin industry and significantly contribute to the local economy," Zhao remarked.
This pine resin processing plant marks a significant milestone for Manicaland and Zimbabwe, promising to boost the local economy and enhance the nation’s industrial capabilities.
