China, Zim discuss trade opportunities

HARARE – A delegation from the Chinese ruling party was to meet with President Robert Mugabe yesterday as part of a visit to boost trade and economic co-operation, officials said.

The eight-member delegation, which includes members of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, were on an exchange visit that included talks with Trade Minister Samuel Mumbengegwi “to discuss further trade and economic co-operation,” said an official from the Chinese embassy in Harare. The delegation arrived here Sunday and was due to end its visit tomorrow.State Ziana news agency reported that the leader of the delegation, Cao Bochun, had said Zimbabwe and China should extend their co-operation from the political to the economic fields.Last year Zimbabwe exported commodities worth one billion Zimbabwe dollars (US$188 000) to China, mostly iron and steel, Ziana said.Political relations between Zimbabwe and China, which supported the country’s fight for independence against white minority rule in the 1970s, have remained strong.Mugabe, facing increasing isolation by Western powers, has encouraged Zimbabweans to look to the East for new markets.China has recently awarded Zimbabwe Approved Destination Status, which should see numbers of Chinese tourists to Zimbabwe – currently estimated at 10 000 a year – increasing.- Nampa-AFPThe delegation arrived here Sunday and was due to end its visit tomorrow.State Ziana news agency reported that the leader of the delegation, Cao Bochun, had said Zimbabwe and China should extend their co-operation from the political to the economic fields.Last year Zimbabwe exported commodities worth one billion Zimbabwe dollars (US$188 000) to China, mostly iron and steel, Ziana said.Political relations between Zimbabwe and China, which supported the country’s fight for independence against white minority rule in the 1970s, have remained strong.Mugabe, facing increasing isolation by Western powers, has encouraged Zimbabweans to look to the East for new markets.China has recently awarded Zimbabwe Approved Destination Status, which should see numbers of Chinese tourists to Zimbabwe – currently estimated at 10 000 a year – increasing.- Nampa-AFP