Published by the government of Zimbabwe
5 March 2007
Harare — Trade between Zimbabwe and China is predicted to rise to US$500 million in 2008 on the back of sound political ties that continue to exist between the two countries, the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Yuan Nansheng, said last week.
Speaking at a reception to mark the start of his tour of duty, the new ambassador said the strong political ties between the two countries had facilitated smooth economic and trade co-operation between Zimbabwe and China.
"China has provided Zimbabwe with aid within her capacity for a long time," Mr Nansheng said.
"The steady growth in the economic field between our two countries aims for a win-win result to everyone's benefit."
Although Mr Nansheng could not provide further details about trade between the two countries, economic co-operation between the two nations has increased in recent years following Government's adoption of the "Look East" policy.
China has also emerged in recent years as the single largest buyer of Zimbabwean tobacco in the world, overtaking traditional importers of the "golden leaf" such as Britain, Belgium and France.
The Asian economic powerhouse imported 12,4 million kilogrammes of tobacco from Zimbabwe last year.
Mr Nansheng also noted the growing interest by Zimbabweans to scout for business opportunities in China, saying with concerted efforts from both sides, relations between the two countries would be continuously consolidated and lifted to greater heights.
China, the ambassador added, was also gratified by Zimbabwe's support of a "One-China" policy and peaceful reunification in the Asian nation.
"China greatly appreciates that Zimbabwean Government unswervingly adheres to the "One-China" policy and resolutely supports the lofty cause of China's peaceful reunification," Mr Nansheng said.
The "One-China" policy is a principle that there is one China and that mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan are all part of that China.
The acceptance or rejection of this principle is a major factor in relations between the People's Republic of China which governs mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, and the Republic of China, which governs Taiwan.
Mr Nansheng said since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1980, frequent exchanges of high-level visits between Zimbabwe and China had taken place, thereby enhancing mutual trust and friendship between the two nations. -- New Ziana.
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