Latest news with #China-aided
The Star
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
China, UNFPA conclude health assistance program for Zimbabwean women, girls affected by Cyclone Idai
HARARE, May 27 (Xinhua) -- China and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Tuesday signed the certificate of completion for a China-aided health assistance program for women and girls affected by Tropical Cyclone Idai, which hit the eastern parts of Zimbabwe in 2019. The concluded project, which ran from 2020 to 2024, was funded by China through the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund and implemented by UNFPA in partnership with Zimbabwe's Ministry of Health and Child Care to address the reproductive health needs of women in the most affected areas. Tropical Cyclone Idai damaged healthcare infrastructure and limited access to essential services, leaving Zimbabwe facing a maternal health crisis, which was further worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to the crisis, the project was implemented to strengthen emergency obstetric and neonatal care in the cyclone-affected districts of Chipinge and Chimanimani. According to UNFPA, the project contributed to 63,327 deliveries, including 8,567 cesarean sections. A total of 10,862 pregnant women benefited from refurbished maternity waiting homes, while 94,643 women accessed modern family planning methods. The project also contributed to the reduction in maternal mortality from 462 to 363 deaths per 100,000 live births. In addition, a total of 296 healthcare workers were trained in emergency obstetric and neonatal care. Speaking at the signing ceremony held in the national capital of Harare, Zimbabwean Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Kwidini expressed gratitude to China for the assistance. "Most of the people affected were pregnant mothers who needed assistance at that time. Because of the disaster, however, there was nowhere for them to go. With UNFPA, China has provided assistance by doing all those good works that have reduced maternal mortality," Kwidini said. He also said the program aligns with the government's aim of ending neonatal mortality, adding that without a healthy nation, Zimbabwe can not attain its developmental goals. On his part, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said the program stands as a shining example of successful tripartite cooperation among China, UN agencies, and Zimbabwe. "It has proved that collective action and solidarity are the most powerful tools in overcoming challenges. Within the frameworks of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, South-South cooperation, and other initiatives, China is ready to engage in tripartite and multipartite cooperation with more international partners to jointly propel Zimbabwe's economic and social development and revitalization, and help realize the country's Vision 2030," said Zhou.
The Star
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
China-aided agricultural demonstration village launched in Zimbabwe
HARARE, May 14 (Xinhua) -- A China-aided agricultural demonstration village was officially launched on Wednesday in the Shamva District of Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe, to enhance agricultural productivity among rural farmers. The demonstration village, the second of its kind set up by a Chinese agricultural expert group in the southern African country, draws inspiration from China's experience in poverty alleviation and aims to assist local farmers in transitioning from subsistence farming to a business-oriented approach. Dozens of households are gaining hands-on experience in sustainable farming through advanced irrigation systems, high-yielding drought-resistant seed varieties, precision farming techniques to optimize output, and integrated livestock-crop systems, according to the expert group. Speaking at the launching ceremony of the demonstration village attended by Chinese and Zimbabwean officials and local villagers, Zimbabwean Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Vangelis Haritatos said the demonstration village highlights the shared vision for agricultural transformation between the two countries. "This project is a testament to the enduring friendship and strategic partnership between Zimbabwe and the People's Republic of China, rooted in mutual respect, shared prosperity, and a common vision for sustainable development," he said, adding that capacitating rural farmers is critical for rural revitalization efforts and ensuring community development in the face of climate change. "The strategic importance of this demonstration village is that this project is not just another agricultural venture; it is a living laboratory of innovation, a bridge between traditional knowledge and modern technology, and a testament to South-South cooperation," said Haritatos. On his part, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding said the initiative deeply resonates with China's remarkable journey of development and poverty alleviation. "We fully recognize that with over 60 percent of Zimbabwe's population living in rural areas, it is essential to support the rural residents, especially those from marginalized and disadvantaged communities, in breaking the chains of poverty and unlocking their full potential," said Zhou. Beyond farming, the demonstration village also incorporates agro-processing facilities to add value and reduce post-harvest losses, training centers for skills transfer, renewable energy solutions, solar-powered cold storage, and processing units. Nomalisa Zindi, one of the beneficiaries, said the initiative has been pivotal in transforming subsistence farming into small businesses and creating self-sustainability. "We are no longer begging or asking for something, but we are doing it for ourselves, knowing that we are working on something that will give us money for our pockets and the money to keep the project going," she said.
Barnama
14-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
CGTN Spotlights China-CELAC Gains As Forum Opens In Beijing
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- As the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum opened in Beijing, CGTN published an article highlighting the growing cooperation between China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). The article underscores China's commitment to working closely with CELAC countries through five major projects aimed at advancing mutual modernisation efforts. A prime example of this collaboration is the China-aided National Library of El Salvador, which has become a prominent cultural landmark since its opening in late 2023. The 24,000-square-metre facility is a hub for youth education, art exhibitions, and cultural events, serving both educational and community needs. It is one of over 200 infrastructure projects China has supported in the region, which have collectively created nearly one million local jobs. During his speech at the forum, Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that China and CELAC countries have developed a partnership rooted in a shared vision for the future—one based on equality, mutual benefit, openness, and inclusiveness, with a focus on delivering real, meaningful improvements to people's lives. President Xi also pointed out that 2024 marks 10 years since the China-CELAC Forum was officially established. According to a statement, since then, China has become the region's second-largest trading partner and the number one partner for countries like Chile, Brazil, and Peru, and that bilateral trade has surged to US$500 billion in 2024. (US$1=RM4.30) Key projects under China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—like the newly opened Chancay Port in Peru and Jamaica's North-South Highway—have helped cut transport time and costs, creating thousands of jobs and boosting trade efficiency. According to a CGTN poll, over 80 per cent of Latin Americans believe BRI projects are beneficial to the region's development. Further solidifying this partnership, China will contribute a US$9.2 billion credit fund to CELAC countries and provide scholarships, training opportunities, and visa-free policies for several Latin American nations, enhancing ties in areas like education, technology, and poverty reduction.
Barnama
14-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
CGTN: China and CELAC usher in new chapter of South-South cooperation
BEIJING, May 14 (Bernama) -- Located in San Salvador, the National Library of El Salvador – a China-aided mega project – has become a modern cultural landmark in the capital city since its inauguration in late 2023. Spanning 24,000 square meters, the library is open 24/7 and holds over 360,000 volumes. It serves multiple functions, including youth education, art exhibitions, cultural performances, and academic conferences. The library is among more than 200 infrastructure projects China has supported in Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) countries in recent years, which Chinese President Xi Jinping noted during his address at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum in Beijing on Tuesday.
The Star
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
Roundup: China's agricultural equipment sows seeds of prosperity in Pakistan: minister
ISLAMABAD, April 29 (Xinhua) -- The agriculture equipment and tools provided by China under the Socio-Economic Development Grant of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will sow seeds of prosperity for Pakistan and its farming communities, Pakistani Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain said on Tuesday. Under the grant, China has provided Pakistan with 278 sets of agricultural machinery and equipment, including tractors, seeders, combine harvesters, photovoltaic water pump systems, among others, representing one of the largest China-aided agricultural equipment projects to Pakistan in recent years. Addressing the handing over ceremony of the equipment to the representatives of the provincial government, Hussain said that the lack of modern farm machinery is one of the primary constraints of low crop yields in Pakistan, and this "invaluable support" will significantly enhance the capacity of the research institutions of the country. "It will enable us to modernize our agriculture practices, improve crop yields, and address current challenges to our food security, such as water scarcity and climate change," he added. Speaking at the event, Federal Secretary of the Ministry Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry said that the support and cooperation coming from China is critical, not only for boosting and stabilizing agricultural exports and the economy, but also for promoting social harmony. Private sectors will also be included to bring these machines to the farms, ensuring that they are not just tested in the controlled environments of research institutes but under real farming conditions, he added. Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, who also attended the event, said that China and Pakistan are both traditional agricultural countries that need to maintain food security and improve their people's lives. "The United States' arbitrary imposition of additional tariffs on over 180 countries has severely infringed upon the legitimate rights and interests of all countries, severely undermined the multilateral trading system, and severely disrupted the global economic order," Jiang said. China is willing to jointly resist unilateralism and tariff bullying with the Pakistani side to safeguard the common interests of both sides and international justice, he added. Following the event, the machinery was displayed to the public, agricultural experts, engineers, and students, who showed significant interest. Talking to Xinhua on the sidelines of the event, Kamran Bilal, a student from a nearby agricultural university, said the machines will transform Pakistan's agricultural sector. "They will help us improve yields, save time, and better manage resources, which are critical for our country's agricultural growth," he said. Launched in 2013, CPEC, a flagship project of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, is a corridor linking Gwadar Port in Pakistan with Kashgar in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It highlights energy, transport, and industrial cooperation in the first phase, while expanding to fields of agriculture and livelihood, among others, in the new phase.
