Harare — OUTGOING Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Yuan Nansheng yesterday bade Vice President Joice Mujuru farewell indicating that investors from his country were keen to expand the runway at Victoria Falls Airport and invest in other key sectors of the economy.

Mr Nansheng met Vice President Mujuru at her Munhumutapa Office in Harare.

In an interview with journalists after the meeting, Mr Nansheng said Zimbabwe and China had historical relations.

"We discussed ideas and suggestions on how to further strengthen our friendship in areas like agriculture and mining," he said.

Mr Nansheng said China was considering giving Zimbabwe a credit facility without divulging further details.

The ambassador said Zimbabwe was overcoming its economic challenges gradually and more Chinese investors were willing to invest in the country.

A source close to the meeting said Mr Nansheng indicated willingness by investors from his country to expand the runway at Victoria Falls Airport on a Build Operate and Transfer basis for it to accommodate bigger planes ahead of the 2010 World Cup to be held in South Africa.

Vice President Mujuru highlighted the importance of completing the project in time for 2010 World Cup. Mr Nansheng told Vice President Mujuru China was offering 16 annual scholarships for post graduate degrees in sciences to Zimbabwean students.

Vice President Mujuru thanked Mr Nansheng for developing relations between China and Zimbabwe both politically and economically during his tenure.

"She took note that during his term of office economic relations shifted to a higher level," said a source close to the meeting.

Trade between Zimbabwe and China increased from US$197 million in 2003 to US$340 million last year.

Vice President Mujuru also thanked China for its US$200 million agricultural loan facility while noting joint ventures between Chinese and local companies in the mining sector.