China Pledges to Rally Behind Zimbabwe

President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and President Hu Jintao of the People's Republic of China during a trip to that socialist nation. Zimbabwe has developed closer ties with the PRC over the decades., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

China pledges to rally behind Zim

Sunday, 29 May 2011 22:50
From Cletus Mushanawani in Chiadzwa
Zimbabwe Herald

CHINA has promised to support Zimbabwe to ensure that the country's diamonds are sold without any conditions attached to them.

Speaking at Anjin Investments Private Limited's Nechirasika Plant last week, Ambassador Xin Shunkang, said he was impressed with the level of co-operation between the Chinese and local investors working at Anjin Investments.

He said he had already communicated with the relevant authorities in his country to ensure that the Chinese delegation to the next Kimberly Process Certification Scheme stands by Zimbabwe.

"Since a Chinese company is involved in the diamond mining here in Zimbabwe, we will walk together because we want both countries to benefit. As a government, we are very excited with the developments happening here as well as the relocation exercise.

"We want to see a changed picture of this area when we come again for a next visit. As the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, I will continue working hard to attract more investors to come and invest here because Anjin has done a lot in terms of social corporate responsibility.

"When we face difficulties in some of our programmes, we turn to them for support and they have never let us down," said Ambassador Shunkang.

The delegation, which toured the Anjin Plant included the Minister of Defence, Emmerson Mnangagwa, Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Obert Mpofu, the Attorney-General, Mr Johannes Tomana, Zimbabwe Mining Development Corporation chairman, Godwills Masimerembwa, the Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Constantine Chiwengwa, Zimra Commissioner-General, Gershem Pasi, Advocate Farai Mutamangira, senior Government officials and service chiefs.

Minister Mpofu said he was impressed by Anjin's investment.

"Although I was not part of the delegation that came here when President Mugabe visited early this year, I am very pleased with what I saw today.

"When Anjin Investments approached us, we saw a giant coming to invest in Zimbabwe and we convinced ourselves that this project was worth recommending to the President.

"All of us are proud to see what has happened here within a short time. This is a success story for both Zimbabwe and China.

"Anjin Investments have virtually improved the livelihood of our people employed here and at the relocation area in Odzi.

"This is a very good example of what investments means," said Cde Mpofu.

He said he was impressed to note that Anjin Investments had already completed the construction of 400 five-roomed houses at Arda-Transau.

"I am told that you have completed the construction of 400 houses, while construction of primary and secondary schools as well as a clinic is in progress. The roads you have opened are better than those we find in most areas and this should be commended," he said.

"All investors who come to invest here should emulate what the Chinese are doing. You have done us proud and I want to appeal to the Chinese Ambassador to help us in our KPCS fight," said Minister Mpofu.

Minister Mnangagwa also hailed Anjin Investments' corporate social responsibility programmes, saying they were helping to change the face of Manicaland province and Chiadzwa in particular.

"There is no doubt that if companies emulate what you are doing this will surely change the face of Manicaland and Zimbabwe at large," said Minister Mnangagwa.