Published by the government of Zimbabwe
18 July 2008
Harare — President Mugabe has expressed gratitude to countries that supported the liberation struggle and have continued to stand by Zimbabwe in defence of its independence.
In this instance, A Russian investment company, Afritrade had been in the forefront of bringing in basic goods that were being disbursed under the National Basic Commodities Supply Enhancement Programme launched in Harare on Wednesday.
"May I express gratitude to the Ukrainian company for coming to our assistance as I also thank our local companies. We thank you for this . . . it's a magnanimous act, an act of charity, generosity at the highest level and Zimbabwe will never forget the historical relationships with those that supported us to gain our independence and the same are supporting us to defend our independence.
"A friend in need is a friend indeed," he said.
A shareholders' representative of the Russian/Ukrainian investors, Afritrade, Tatiana Aleshina said her company would remain committed to the programme and to supporting Zimbabwe in general.
"Russia has faced similar problems of food shortages and we will bring our experience to help restore food sufficiency in Zimbabwe. We also want to partner in agriculture," she said.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe entered into partnership with Afritrade in June lasting for an initial 12 months to supply basic commodities. "Our Russian/ Ukrainian shareholders including Alexander Sheremet have always been supportive towards the Government and people of Zimbabwe," said a statement from the company, adding there was scope to forge more partnerships in the development of the economy.
Family Choice Holdings, run by a Zimbabwean Dr Raymond Chamba and spread in several countries including Namibia, provided a US$20 million revolving fund to the central bank for the procurement of basic goods. Addressing the gathering at the launch, Dr Chamba said he felt honoured to be Zimbabwean and he would do the best he could to serve his country.
He said President Mugabe's successful educational programmes had made him into who he was hence it was only natural that he contributed to economic development, saying there was hope for Zimbabwe.
"There is only one Zimbabwe and one Zimbabwe there shall always be. All things are possible only if we believe," he said.
A local company, National Foods, was also actively involved in the basic commodities supply programme.
Its chief executive Mr Jeremy Brooks said his company had provided 100 trucks and 27 warehouses as part of its contribution towards the initiative by Government.
President Mugabe implored other companies to follow suit.
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my very stupid friend above i thot u had read the text on which this debate is based upon. It clearly states that "countries that supported the liberation struggle", but still u believe these countries dont care and have never done anything for Zim. Lest u forget, "The West" as u choose to call yoself, were the enemies in this instance and have always been tryng to maintain a stranlehold on our beloved country. Like wat His Excellence has always said, "ZIMBABWE WILL NEVER BE A COLONY AGAIN!!!!" period. I stand to ask of wat origin u r and… [Read Full Text]
once again another poor brainwashed Mugabe fan. Too busy listening to Mugabe creating an enemy of the west, and thus a need for himself, than to whats really going on. The west doesnt want to recolonise Zimbabwe. Thats just lies plain and simple. The west wants Zimbabwe run by Zimbabweans that dont kill and torture and murder other Zimbabweans to keep power. How do you condone supporting someone that does this?
Better still name the times China or Russia has given aid/relief to Zimbabwe! Bet you can never name a time and if you can i bet more is given by an individual group than either of them! China and Russia use Zimbabwe in the worst way as they do not give to help!
Considering how many countries there are in the world, that is next to no support! Russia and China are just giving the other powers a hard time over Zimbabwe, they care nothing about Zimbabwe as they never have given aid/relief to Zimbabwe! Wake up and smell the roses mugabe and regime, sorry i mean smell the useless dust you have created!