Chinese President, Xi Jinping wound-up his two-day visit to Harare with President Robert Mugabe saying his visit had culminated in the strengthening and deepening of political and economic relations between the two countries.
Speaking at a banquet hosted for the Chinese leader and his delegation last night, shortly after signing several agreements among them a $1.4 billion deal for upgrading the Hwange Thermal Power station, Mr. Mugabe said he was excited significant progress had been made in the implementation of projects agreed between China and Zimbabwe.
Mr. Mugabe said the two countries were collaborating in projects in almost every sector.
Mr. Mugabe said it was pleasing that on the global arena, China associates with groups that advocate for the re-orientation of the global discourse such as the Non-Aligned Movement and G77.
He said Zimbabwe fully supports China’s co-operation with Africa on the basis of equality and mutual understanding.
Mr. Xi said Zimbabwe and China must deepen their co-operation for the benefit of their peoples.
Apart from the Hwange deal, a 98 million dollar agreement for a fiber optic project for state owned telecommunications Telone was also signed.
Other agreements include the construction of a national pharmaceutical warehouse, a new parliament building, civil aviation co-operation and donation of wildlife protection equipment.
Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce President, Davison Norupiri, said business welcome Mr. Xi’s pledge to support local business people.
Apart from deals signed yesterday, China has provided credit worth millions of dollars to fund several capital projects in the country, including the expansion of the Kariba South power station, upgrading of the Harare’s water and sanitation works and the expansion of the Victoria Falls International Airport.
The Zimbabwean government says is grateful to the Chinese for providing capital at a time when the Western countries imposed sanctions on the country.
However, according to the 2016 budget, Western countries are providing support to Zimbabwe to the tune of $180 Meanwhile Mr. Xi has left for South Africa where he will attend a summit on Africa China co-operation. Mr. Mugabe is also expected to attend the same summit.