On 13 December, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Zhou Ding attended the launch ceremony of Goromonzi community development programme in Mashonaland East Province of Zimbabwe and delivered a keynote speech. Zimbabwean Minister of State for Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Apollonia Munzverengwi, representatives of  UN institutions in Zimbabwe, traditional leaders and over 200 residents from the local communities attended the event.

Ambassador Zhou pointed out that the community development program implemented by Huayou Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe and other Chinese companies, jointly with the United Nations Global Compact under the Sino-Africa Corporate Community Action Network on Sustainable Development, is a new initiative of the Chinese companies to fulfill their corporate social responsibilities. He commended that the program covering power accessibility, health care, vocational training, women empowerment etc. would benefit local people and make new contributions to enhancing China-Zimbabwean friendship. 

Minister Munzverengwi appreciated the contributions made by the Chinese companies such as Huayou Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe to the local economic and social development, and highlighted that the program would further improve the livelihood of local communities and boost employment and economic growth in the province and the nation at large.