Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is in China for a five day state visit from April 2 to 6. This is Mnangagwa's first state visit outside of Africa since he was sworn in as Zimbabwean president in November last year.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met him on April 3 and both presidents agreed to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between their countries.

Addressing Zimbabweans who welcomed him at a gathering hosted by the Zimbabwean Embassy in China on April 3, Mnangagwa highlighted that his visit was not only to attract capital and investment, but also to bring development to Zimbabwe which matches that of other developing countries. He highlighted that his country had been in an economic isolation for more than 18 years and now Zimbabwe is open for business and foreign investment.

Areas for economic collaboration between Zimbabwe and China include infrastructure and transport. Zimbabwe is known for tobacco, for which China was its biggest export market in 2016.

Mnangagwa was accompanied by Special advisor to the President Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa, Finance Minister Cde Mike Bimha and other government officials.