China pledges to help Zimbabwe build production capacity

The new Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Guo Shaochun has pledged to strengthen bilateral cooperation in infrastructure development, agriculture and manufacturing sectors, boosting the production capacity of the southern African country.

Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Guo Shaochun gives a speech at a welcoming reception to mark his assumption of office on Thursday, April 25, 2019. [Photo: China Plus/Gao Junya]

Guo Shaochun made the commitment at a welcoming reception to mark his assumption of office.

"I will further deepen bilateral practical cooperation. I will continue to work closely with the Zimbabwean side to push for the implementation of the outcome of the Beijing Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). I will continue encouraging more Chinese investments into the manufacturing, agriculture, mining and infrastructure sectors to help Zimbabwe tap its huge potentials and grow its economy."

Sekesai Nzenza, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare of Zimbabwe, gives a speech at a welcoming reception for Chinese Ambassador Guo Shaochun on Thursday, April 25, 2019. [Photo: China Plus/Gao Junya]

Guo Shaochun says the infrastructure projects being funded and constructed by China in Zimbabwe such as the Victoria Fall Airport and the new parliament building will become new symbols of friendship between the two countries.

Sekesai Nzenza, Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare of Zimbabwe, extended her welcome to the new Chinese ambassador on behalf of the Zimbabwean government and its people.

Nzenza says Zimbabwe attaches great importance to deepening bilateral cooperation under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative.

"Zimbabwe looks forward to benefiting immensely from the two mechanisms as China seeks to promote inclusive and sustainable development with other developing countries, in particular, African countries."

Artists entertain audiences at a welcoming reception held for the new Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Guo Shaochun to mark his assumption of office on Thursday, April 25, 2019. [Photo: China Plus/Gao Junya]

Nzenza also thanked China for helping in the relief efforts during the disasters caused by Cyclone Idai.

"We appreciate the 800,000 U.S. dollars cash donation from your government and humanitarian assistance, in cash and kind, mobilized by the local Chinese community to help the relief efforts in affected areas. China has also pledged to provide 10,000 metric tonnes of rice and to sink 500 boreholes in support of the victims. This will go a long way in complementing government efforts in bringing normalcy to the affected areas."

Artists entertain audiences at a welcoming reception held for the new Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Guo Shaochun to mark his assumption of office on Thursday, April 25, 2019. [Photo: China Plus/Gao Junya]

Zimbabwe is endowed with abundant natural resources such as arable lands, forests, minerals and wildlife.

However, its economy has long been sluggish.

Sanctions imposed by some western countries following its implementation of the controversial land reform program are blamed for a part of the economic hardships.