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Evelene Taadira Herald Reporter
Trade between Zimbabwe and China is set to scale new heights as the two countries’ ties continue to strengthen on the back of the former’s “Look East Policy” aimed at expanding bilateral and trade relations with Asian countries.
Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Lin Lin said his country was determined to ensure further growth in trade between the two countries.
“China is an all weather friend of Zimbabwe and we have very good relations,” said Mr Lin during a reception to mark the 64th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in Harare yesterday. “As two countries with profound traditional friendship, we have continued our mutually beneficial economic co-operation on an equal footing,” he said.

Mr Lin said the bilateral trade volume reached US$716 million over the past five months of 2013, an increase of 34,3 percent from the same period last year. “Looking ahead, I see bright prospects for China-Zimbabwe relations,” said Mr Lin.

He said the relationship had seen the expansion of the Kariba and Hwange power stations, the US$144 million loan facility for the upgrading of Harare’s water and sanitation infrastructure and a US$150 million concessional loan for the expansion of Victoria Falls Airport.

Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Christopher Mutsvangwa hailed the relations between the two countries.
“China is an all-weather friend of Zimbabwe and we have very good relations,” said Deputy Minister Mutsvanga.