PERHAPS the most significant message about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit is that Zimbabwe is an investment destination of choice and that it is ready to do business with the rest of the world.
Not only was this historic visit about consolidating the longstanding political and diplomatic ties between Beijing and Harare, but translating them into economic tangibles.
These are relations founded on the basis of mutual respect, co-operation and understanding.
It is from these relations that Zimbabwe won its political independence.
It is from these relations that Zimbabwe is now poised to win the economic empowerment battle.
And it is from these relations that Zimbabwe will reclaim its position as a global economic powerhouse.
The future looks bright indeed because there is something extra-ordinary about the Zimbabwe – China relations.
China was there during that infamous hour when the sons and daughters of this country embarked on that arduous journey to free Zimbabwe from the bondage of colonialism.
China gave us the tools to undertake that Herculean task of dismantling colonialism and its hegemony.
China has been there with us through thick and thin.
There are those in our midst who mocked President Robert Mugabe when he came back from his 13th State Visit to China in August last year.
President Xi’s reciprocal visit must surely have been a sobering reality check to these prophets of doom.
To them we say success is the best revenge.
It is in that vein that the historic state visit by President Xi to Harare should forever be etched in our minds.
This visit should be an opportunity to capitalise on the goodwill by the Chinese and make good use of the commitment shown by our eternally good friends.
The 12 mega deals signed on Tuesday must be the impetus needed to spur our hugely anticipated economic development and growth.
We should, as a nation unite and work for the fruition of these deals.
With the foundation for the much-talked about take-off having been put in place, the time to put in motion implementation of the deals is now.
And as work begins in earnest, we should never for a moment forget that the world is watching.
We should never miss or mess up this opportunity.
Equally compelling should be the fact we still have a fractious relationship with the West.
They will stop at nothing in ensuring we fail to realise the full benefits of these deals.
At worst, they can derail our progress.
In China, there is belief that Zimbabwe is the place to be.
They too will be watching how we conduct business in making sure that the deals turn into deliverables for economic development.
They will obviously want to follow the enduring footprints of their revered president who has endorsed this country through his visit.
Let us make full use of the deals and open up more avenues for more investments into our beloved country.