The year 2010 is a very special one for China and Zimbabwe because not only will Zimbabwe be celebrating her 30th anniversary of independence, but the two countries will also be marking 30 years of diplomatic relations, Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe Xin Shunkang said on Wednesday.

The Chinese ambassador told Xinhua that he is confident that the relations between the two countries, which date back to the time Zimbabwe was fighting for her independence, would continue to grow as evidenced by the level of bilateral economic and cultural cooperation between them.

The ambassador highlighted projects and activities to be done during the year, which included the establishment of a solar energy plant, the commissioning of two primary schools, the completion of an agricultural demonstration center and awarding of scholarships to 32 Zimbabwean students to study in China as examples of good cooperation between the two countries.

"You can see that this year is going to be a very busy year and we still have a lot of work to do and we can do it step by step, one by one, with the support of the Zimbabwean side," he said.

He said the two countries have enjoyed frequent high-level contacts, enhanced political mutual trust and cooperation in such fields as economic development and trade, culture, education, health and military affairs. This is coupled by close cooperation and consultation in regional and international affairs.

Xin added that China would also extend its assistance to Zimbabwe in line with the 8-point plan announced by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao at the 4th ministerial conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Egypt in November 2009.

The new 8-point plan focuses on climate change and sustainable development, trade, infrastructure, education, science and technology, agricultural technology, debt cancellation for highly-indebted poor countries, human resources development and health services support.

Chinese embassy officials have since met with senior Zimbabwe government officials, the academia and business leaders to review the plan and the parties agreed to establish a think-tank to facilitate the implementation of partnership programs.

The think-tank, to include academics and members of the business community, will advise the Chinese embassy on the effective implementation of projects in line with the country's needs.

Xin said the embassy has planned to invite artists from China to participate at this year's Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA), while a film festival would also be held to mark the 30 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

He also expressed hope that the inclusive government in Zimbabwe would continue to improve people's lives.

The formation of the inclusive government has resulted in the improvement of the economic and political environment, which augured well for future investors from China and other countries, he said.