Zimbabweans have warmly welcomed China's recent optimization and adjustment of COVID-19 response measures.

China has seen a gradual loosening of the policy in recent months, especially plans to do away with measures on inbound visitors who will no longer be required to quarantine upon arrival, effective from Sunday.

The policy has been welcomed by Zimbabweans who often travel to China for education, business and health purposes. Zimbabweans import artificial hair, jewelry and agro-based inputs such as fertilizers and machinery from China. It is also one of Zimbabwe's biggest trading partners.

Tawanda Zimhindo, who teaches Chinese language and cultural programs at his private school in central Harare, said the academy used to send some 20 Zimbabwean students annually to Chinese universities before the pandemic.

He said they were happy "when the news got into our ears".

"For the past three years, we have not been able to send students to China to further their studies," he said.

"China is now one of our largest trading partners. For an effective and smooth flow of things traveling to and fro, lifting (travel restrictions) is important. Due to the restrictions, most of the airlines servicing that route were grounded."

Media consultant and journalist Gift Ricco Sukala said his work schedule had required him to travel to China every year and his last visit was in 2019.

"For me, it's a huge relief. It eases my travel plans and safety concerns, and I have confidence that eventually everything will soon be back to normal," he said.

"I have been to China for media training and work-related programs. The outbreak ruined my programs. Most of the training was done virtually, but now that the restrictions will be lifted, it gives me huge relief. I am looking forward to resuming my work-related programs that are meant to enhance my knowledge about China and media training."

Bilateral trade

Similarly, Zimbabwean economist Gift Muganu said no longer requiring people to quarantine upon arrival in China would spur bilateral trade.

"China is a big player in the global market, the second-biggest economy in the world and most of the trading in Africa is between China and African countries," he said.

"Most of the stuff which we have in our markets, whether it's machinery, hardware, key raw materials such as fertilizer, comes from China. So, when these restrictions are lifted, you then expect the free movement of goods and services between the two countries."

Kurai Matsheza, leader of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries, also welcomes the latest measure by China to ease travel, adding that it will greatly help members of the confederation to conduct business.

The writer is a freelance journalist for China Daily.