Staff Reporter
President Emmerson Mnangagwa held a crucial engagement with the Zimbabwean Diaspora community in China yesterday as part of his visit to Beijing ahead of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) 2024 Summit.
This significant meeting aimed to strengthen ties with Zimbabweans living abroad and gather valuable insights on how they can contribute to the country's ongoing development.
During the engagement, President Mnangagwa commended the Zimbabwean community in China for their resilience and hard work. He emphasized their vital role in national development, particularly through investments, skills transfer, and foreign currency remittances.
"Your contributions are invaluable to Zimbabwe’s growth. I urge you to take advantage of the National Diaspora Policy to invest back home. The technical expertise and experience you have gained here in China can greatly benefit Zimbabwe in areas such as trade, technology, skills development, and capacity building,” said President Mnangagwa.
The Zimbabwean Diaspora members expressed their appreciation for the achievements of the Second Republic, highlighting progress made in various sectors, including infrastructure, education, and healthcare. They praised the Government’s efforts to foster a conduive environment for economic growth and development.
"We have seen substantial improvements in the country, particularly in infrastructure and education. These achievements give us confidence in the future of Zimbabwe,” said one of the community members.
However, the Diaspora community also took the opportunity to voice some of the challenges they face while living abroad. Issues ranging from legal hurdles to economic hardships were brought to the President’s attention. They called for more streamlined processes for dual citizenship, better consular services, and enhanced support systems for Zimbabweans abroad.
In response, President Mnangagwa assured the community that their concerns are being taken seriously.
"Government is committed to addressing the challenges you face and will work towards enhancing support for all Zimbabweans overseas.
"We want to ensure that wherever you are, you feel connected to your home country and are able to contribute to its development,” he stated.
President Mnangagwa also lauded the Diaspora for their foreign currency remittances, which are a critical component of Zimbabwe’s economy. He noted that these remittances are expected to increase by 18% this year, from $1.6 billion in 2023.
"Your remittances are not just figures; they are lifelines for many families and vital support for our economy.
"The Diaspora is not just a community living abroad; you are an integral part of our nation. Together, we can build a prosperous and developed Zimbabwe," President Mnangagwa concluded.
As Zimbabwe prepares for the FOCAC 2024 Summit, President Mnangagwa’s engagement with the Diaspora in China is seen as a strategic move to foster collaboration and ensure that the voices of all Zimbabweans are heard in the process of nation-building.
This meeting underscores the importance of the Zimbabwean Diaspora in the broader vision of national development. It serves as a reminder of the power of unity and collaboration in overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities for growth.
