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Chinese Communist Party politburo member Cde Guo Jin Long (left), Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu, Zanu-PF spokesperson Cde Rugare Gumbo and delegates from both parties tour Victoria Falls International Airport which is under refurbishment yesterday

Leonard Ncube Victoria Falls Reporter
VISITING Chinese Communist Party politburo member Cde Guo Jin Long yesterday re-affirmed his country’s support for capital projects in Zimbabwe and enhancing economic growth. Cde Guo, who was on an official visit to the country with a Chinese delegation, has come to assess projects financed by China and other government projects with a view of widening assistance.

Yesterday Cde Guo and Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Cde Lin Lin toured Victoria Falls International Airport alongside a Zanu-PF delegation led by party spokesperson Cde Rugare Gumbo.

Cde Guo expressed satisfaction with the ongoing $150 million refurbishment of the airport by China Jiangsu saying China’s goal was to empower every Zimbabwean to start their own companies.

“When I go back I will look closely at the copy of Zim-Asset and see what it entails and what can be done. China is happy with the work that is going on in various projects,” Cde Guo said after being briefed about the government economic blueprint.

“It is amazing and we are happy with the kind of work being done together with the relationship between Zimbabwe and China. We want you to learn the skills so you could start your own construction companies after these projects.”

Cde Gumbo said the visit by Cde Guo was a sign of the two parties’ strong bilateral ties.
He said they exchanged notes in Harare on Wednesday before the Chinese delegation paid a courtesy call on President Mugabe.

“The visit means that we continue to consolidate our relationship with CCP and it was done on the invitation of Zanu-PF. As a party we have a higher level of leadership exchange programmes and our engagement dates back to the liberation struggle,” said Cde Gumbo.

He said China and Russia have always stood by Zimbabwe especially when Western countries imposed economic sanctions on the country.
Cde Gumbo said Zanu-PF was appreciative of the investment China was bringing into the country.

“They have been in the country for the past three days and today we are here going around projects and they will be going back tomorrow. China has come in a big way to invest in the country and that is what we want,” he said.

Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu who was part of the delegation said: “They have shown keen interest in our projects especially the airport, which we know will be a state-of-the-art facility with the expertise of the Chinese. The delegation is here to familiarise with all these projects including other sectors such as mining and agriculture,” he said.

Matabeleland North Provincial Minister of State Cde Cain Mathema implored the Chinese government to partner the government in developmental projects in every sector.

“We have Chinese projects in Gwayi-Shangani, Lupane and other coal mining concessions. We welcome this support and we would love to have China investing in these sectors,” said Cde Mathema.