ED, Xi get down to business

provinces. China has stood with Zimbabwe in the face of vilification by the West.

It was China and Russia that stood in Zimbabwe’s corner when the United Nations Security Council wanted to place the country on sanctions a few years ago at the instigation of the United States and Britain.

It is against this background of tried and tested friendship dating back to the liberation struggle that President Mnangagwa and President Xi meet today.

In an interview with Chinese media on the eve of his trip, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe was grateful to China and its people for their unwavering support over the years.

“I am going to the People’s Republic of China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping and I will say thank you not only to the President, but to the people of China for standing and supporting Zimbabwe during the hard times when the West imposed sanctions on us,” he said.

President Mnangagwa’s mantra that Zimbabwe is open for business is expected to gain currency during the visit. He will engage Chinese investors, indicating the various opportunities available in Zimbabwe.

Chinese firm Synohydro recently completed a $535 million expansion of Kariba South Power Station set to increase power generation by 300 megawatts, among other deals from the world’s second largest economy.

Zimbabwe exports tobacco and chrome, among other items while it imports agricultural and mining equipment, clothing, motor vehicles and other machinery from the Asian giant.