HARARE, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- Job seekers on Friday attended the China-Zimbabwe Commodity Expo and Job Fair in Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, hoping to connect with Chinese employers and explore career opportunities amid growing Chinese investment in the country.
Organized by the China Zimbabwe Exchange Centre (CZEC), an organization dedicated to strengthening China-Zimbabwe ties, the three-day event running through Sunday brings together job seekers eager to launch their careers and employers looking to tap into local talent.
Among those attending was Langton Chikozho, a materials engineering graduate hoping to launch his career with a Chinese company.
"I recently graduated with a materials engineering degree, and I am looking for placements in manufacturing, energy or construction. I have submitted resumes to several companies," Chikozho said.
With Chinese investment expanding in Zimbabwe, Chikozho said he hoped to gain practical work experience and kick-start his career before pursuing a postgraduate qualification.
The fair also attracted students from vocational training institutions and universities who were eager to gain an early understanding of the job market and connect with potential employers.
Justin Makotose, who is studying diesel plant fitting and expects to graduate next year, said he attended the event to familiarize himself with the employment environment and learn what employers look for in new recruits.
For participating companies, the fair offered an opportunity to identify and recruit skilled workers locally. Valerie Gnokodza, business manager at Kianga Quartz Slabs, a Chinese-invested company operating in Zimbabwe, said her company was looking for a sales manager to join its team.
"We are seeking a results-driven sales manager to join our team, someone who will manage client communications, handle inquiries across online platforms and phone calls, prepare accurate quotations, and follow up on leads to drive conversions," she said.
Walter Chanaka, CZEC general manager, said the expo and job fair reflected growing business engagement between China and Zimbabwe, with employment creation forming an important part of bilateral economic relations.
Having studied in China himself, Chanaka said he understood the challenges for job seekers in Zimbabwe and wanted the event to help connect them with potential employers.
"What we have done is bring together Chinese companies to offer job opportunities, especially to those who studied in China. However, these opportunities are not limited to China-educated graduates; they are open to everyone," Chanaka said.
He added that the employment opportunities extended beyond Chinese companies, as Zimbabwean firms participating in the fair were also seeking potential employees.
Beyond recruitment, the expo provided a platform for Chinese and Zimbabwean businesses to showcase their products and explore further business opportunities, bringing together employment prospects and broader commercial cooperation.
Chinese companies have become significant employers in Zimbabwe amid growing investment in key sectors of the economy, including mining, manufacturing and agriculture. ■