MARONDERA, Zimbabwe, Feb. 22 (Xinhua) -- As the job market remains competitive for fresh graduates, young Zimbabweans have expressed a growing interest in seeking career opportunities at Chinese firms, which have become a major source of employment in the southern African country.
"China is advanced in terms of technology, so I hope to get an opportunity to be exposed to cutting-edge and modern technologies. I believe that will create a good professional path for me as a chemical engineer," said 24-year-old Learnmore Njiri.
The young graduate was among many Zimbabwean youths who attended a job fair in Marondera District of Mashonaland East Province, held alongside the National Youth Day, which is marked annually on Feb. 21 to honor the role of young people in Zimbabwe's development.
Among the recruiting companies was Huayou Cobalt, a Chinese company that operates a lithium mine and processing plant in the province. Through its Zimbabwean subsidiary, the company is one of the largest private employers in Zimbabwe.
After checking a catalog of vacancies available at Huayou Cobalt, 19-year-old Wesley Sigauke, a mechanical engineering student, said he hopes to acquire more technical and advanced skills from Chinese companies setting up operations in Zimbabwe.
"I am that kind of worker who never gets tired to learn and never runs out of things to do or explore. I am always trying to learn new things. If there is any way I can get a scholarship to study in China, I will take it," he said.
With growing Chinese investment and career opportunities, there is an increasing trend of learning Chinese among young Zimbabwean professionals.
"I took an elementary Chinese language module in college, and I hope to continue learning the language, knowing the culture. I think speaking the language can bring more opportunities for me," said Njiri.
Due to the influx of Chinese investors, there is a need for locals who can help bridge the communication gap, he added.
Zeng Liangkuan, human resource manager at Huayou Cobalt, told Xinhua that the company has been expanding recruitment of local employees equipped with professional skills in relevant areas to meet the rising demand.
"Knowing the Chinese language has always been a plus," Zeng said, adding that the company is in greater need of young professionals with language proficiency.
"We are willing to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive career development paths for qualified professionals," he said.
In his official address at the National Youth Day celebration, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasized the need to equip young people with relevant skills, saying young people are not merely spectators but active participants in the ongoing national development journey.
Saul Elias, a young Zimbabwean, told Xinhua that he attended the job fair to seek employment so that he could contribute productively to his community.
"We are expecting to get employment that can uplift our livelihoods so that we can contribute to the development of our country," he added. ■