On 27 March, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe Cheng Yan paid a visit to Mashonaland Central Province and attended the handover ceremony of the “Youth Maker” Programme initiated by the Chinese Embassy, and donated a batch of high-quality breeding goats to the local youth organizations. Present at the ceremony were Tinoda Machakaire, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, UNDP Resident Representative in Zimbabwe, members of Parliament of Zimbabwe from the district, traditional leaders and over 1,500 local residents.

Cheng Yan stated that the youth represent the hope of a nation. The Chinese Embassy initiated the “Youth Maker” Programme to support Zimbabwean youth in entrepreneurship and income-generation and promote sustainable development of the local community. China is ready to leverage the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Zimbabwe as an opportunity to deepen cooperation with Zimbabwe in such areas as youth empowerment and talent cultivation, jointly creating a brighter future.

Extending heartfelt gratitude to China for its valuable support for the development of Zimbabwean youth, Machakaire encouraged young people to carry forward the friendship between the two countries, draw on China’s experiences, and make greater contributions to Zimbabwe's development.

Cheng Yan was interviewed by local media on site and visited the goat-breeding and crop-planting programmes.