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General Chang Wanquan

Leonard Ncube Victoria Falls Reporter
VISITING Chinese Defence Minister General Chang Wanquan says Zimbabwe has great potential to develop the economy owing to its friendship with China. Gen Chang visited Victoria Falls yesterday accompanied by a 16-member delegation from his country.

From the airport Gen Chang was whisked to the Rainforest.

“I’m happy with what I’ve seen and it’s clear Zimbabwe has potential for growth and development,” he said, briefly speaking through an interpreter.

Major General Sibusiso Moyo from the Ministry of Defence, who led the delegation, said the visit was a follow up to agreements signed by the two countries’ Heads of State as a way of cementing relations.

“This is in pursuance of issues agreed upon by the two Heads of State as the two countries continue to concretise their relations,” said Maj Gen Moyo.

“General Chang has been excited so far, not only by the Victoria Falls, but by the whole scenario in Zimbabwe. He has indicated that there’s a lot of hope and potential for development in the country.”

President Mugabe and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping signed a series of agreements on the two countries’ cooperation and the visit by Gen Chang is meant to operationalise their implementation.

China is funding a number of capital projects in the country in construction, mining and agriculture. The Victoria Falls International Airport is one of the projects and is bankrolled through the China-Exim Bank at a cost of $150 million.

Maj Gen Moyo said cooperation with China would open floodgates for the country’s economy especially in the tourism sector.

“In terms of the airport, there’s going to be multi-sectorial cooperation to include airlines and other sectors in line with Zim-Asset. All we want to do is further relations between Zimbabwe and China which is why we continue exchanging ideas, techniques and skills,” he said responding to a question whether there would be Chinese airlines using the facility once it was completed.

Gen Chang is State Councillor of the People’s Republic of China and a general in the People’s Liberation Army.

The Chinese Defence Minister’s visit comes against the backdrop of growing economic ties between the two countries as Zimbabwe targets increasing tourist arrivals from the Asian country.

A Zimbabwean delegation that included the Minister of State for Matabeleland North Province Ambassador Cain Mathema, Victoria Falls Mayor Councillor Sifiso Mpofu, Acting Commander 1 Infantry Brigade Colonel Mpulaeng Siziba, Officer Commanding ZRP Matabeleland North Senior Assistant Commissioner Clemence Munoriarwa and officers from different government departments, met the Chinese Defence Minister on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport.