Reference News Network, March 18 report: The Zimbabwean "Harare Herald" website published an article titled "China's Two Sessions Draw a New Development Blueprint" on March 16. The author is Kudakwashe Bvutiti. The following is the compiled text:
The 2026 National Two Sessions of China were successfully concluded last week, and all sectors have confidence that the world's second-largest economy will continue to firmly follow the path of development.
For strategic partners such as Zimbabwe, the outcomes of this year's Two Sessions have long exceeded national borders, directly affecting the framework of bilateral trade, investment, and diplomatic cooperation.
This year's Two Sessions agenda was clear. The National People's Congress not only reviewed and approved the government work report for the year but also approved the five-year development blueprint of the country — the "14th Five-Year Plan" outline.
The approved "14th Five-Year Plan" outline has significant domestic and international implications. Its content will affect global supply chains, commodity markets, and open new areas of cooperation with countries such as Zimbabwe.
The National People's Congress also passed the Environmental Protection Law Code, which demonstrates China's determination to accelerate the development of green energy and become a global leader in combating climate change.
During the Two Sessions, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi explained the priority directions of China's foreign policy at a press conference, with a significant portion devoted to Africa, highlighting the increasing importance of the African continent in China's foreign strategy. In this context, Zimbabwe was specifically mentioned, underscoring its special position in China's strategic cooperation with countries in the Global South.
2026 is a special year for Sino-African relations. This year has been designated as the "Year of Humanistic Exchange between China and Africa," as well as the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa.
Therefore, 2026 will certainly be a year of transformation and development in Sino-African economic relations. The main driving force behind this transformation is China's decision to implement zero tariffs for 53 African countries that have established diplomatic relations with it starting May 1st.
For Zimbabwe, this policy will bring positive structural impacts, combined with the cooperation agreements reached by both sides to open up the Chinese market for high-value agricultural products such as blueberries, citrus fruits, and avocados.
This is a huge opportunity for Zimbabwean farmers that has never been seen before, allowing them access to a vast Chinese market.
If Zimbabwean small farmers can be integrated into this export system, it will have a transformative impact, potentially generating considerable export income for them annually and promoting their social and economic status.
Another exciting expectation is that under the framework of the Year of Humanistic Exchange between China and Africa, nearly 600 events will be held by both sides.
These exchange activities aim to strengthen the bonds of people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa, ensuring that Sino-African cooperation is not only supported by policy coordination but also sustained by deep-seated people's sentiments.
In the "14th Five-Year Plan" outline, China clearly defined its position of adhering to technological development.
During the Two Sessions, representatives and committee members engaged in extensive discussions on cutting-edge technology fields such as embodied artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and brain-computer interfaces.
The "14th Five-Year Plan" outline proposed the goal of significantly improving the level of self-reliance and strength in science and technology.
The first pharmacy robot in China was officially put into use in Haidian District, Beijing, which is no coincidence. It marks the practical application of embodied intelligent technology in the pharmaceutical retail sector.
This robot, after training, can perform pharmacy work, locate medicines on shelves, complete the process of picking and packaging, and finally deliver the prepared medicines to the smart medicine cabinet.
This is just one of many innovative measures China is taking to push technology to new heights. In Zhejiang, one of China's leading robotics companies, Yushu Technology, revealed that its developed robots can undertake various heavy-duty tasks.
An official from the company gave an example, stating that during natural disasters such as floods and typhoons, these robots can enter areas that are difficult for people to reach to perform tasks.
For countries such as Zimbabwe that have also issued AI development policies, the technological development path established by China's latest five-year plan holds great reference value. This is not only reflected in hardware equipment but also in integrating technological systems into various fields such as healthcare, agriculture, and disaster management, comprehensively enhancing production efficiency. The speed and scale of China's technological application provide a clear benchmark for developing countries hoping to achieve leapfrog digital development. (Translated by Guo Jun)
August 19, 2025, at the locomotive maintenance workshop of the African Star Railway Operations Limited in Nairobi, Kenya, Chinese and Kenyan railway workers inspected a locomotive. (Xinhua News Agency)
Original: toutiao.com/article/7618396824333287972/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author alone.