Zimbabwe Economy Has Potential, Says Chinese Envoy

Republic of Zimbabwe Vice-President Joice Mujuru with People's Republic of China Ambassador to Zimbabwe Lin Lin. China and Zimbabwe have maintained strong relations for many years., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Zim economy has potential — envoy

Friday, 21 September 2012 00:00
Herald Reporter

The mining and agriculture sectors have potential to take Zimbabwe’s economy to greater heights, Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Lin Lin has said.

Speaking after meeting acting President Joice Mujuru at her Munhumutapa offices in Harare yesterday, Mr Lin said China would continue giving Zimbabwe unconditional support.

“For the two months that I have been here, I have seen that the country has great potential to be among the developed nations considering the natural resources that it has.

Another potential to have a good economy lies in the country’s agriculture sector.

“If these areas are fully supported the country’s economy will stabilise,” he said.

Mr Lin presented his credentials to President Mugabe last month following the departure of Mr Xin Shunkang for Namibia.

Mr Lin pledged to assist Zimbabwe revamp its infrastructure.

“The infrastructure in the country needs improvement and this is one area China will give support especially in the area of water supply and electricity,” he said.

The country’s infrastructure has deteriorated in the past decade due to sanctions-induced economic challenges.

Mr Lin said bilateral relations between the two countries should be maintained and strengthened at all costs.

“We have the expertise and Zimbabwe has the resources.

“It is our hope that the relations we have will continue growing for the benefit of the people of the two nations,” he said.

Acting President Mujuru also met Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic’s ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Saleh Mohammed Cheij.

Mr Cheij said he briefed the Acting President about his country's quest for independence from Morocco.

“I briefed her that Morocco is refusing to accept SADR as an independent state.

“The international community, through the United Nations has tried to come up with a peace plan but Morocco is adamant,” he said.

Mr Cheij said Morocco was denying the media and human rights organisations access to the areas of conflict to see the damage Morocco was causing to the people of SADR.

“They cannot allow anything of that sort to be present because they know that what they are doing is bad. It is our hope that the United Nations will continue supporting us until we are independent,” he said.

Mr Cheij said Acting President Mujuru had pledged to support the Saharawi people and the Polisario Front.

“She said Zimbabwean authorities would want to see the people enjoying peace and we are thankful for that stance,” he said.

Zanu-PF and the Polisario Front have enjoyed fraternal relations for many years.