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Talent Chimutambgi Herald Reporter
The Chinese government has donated agricultural equipment worth US$120 000 to the Government to boost production.
The equipment, which was handed over by Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Guo Shaochung to Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate, and Rural Resettlement Deputy Minister Douglas Karoro comprised of a tractor, submersible pumps, incubators, milking equipment, full artificial insemination kits, cameras, computers, diesel generators and fishing nets.
The consignment also included office and laboratory equipment.
Ambassador Guo said the equipment would support the country’s sector and underpin the smooth advancement of the China-Zimbabwe technical cooperation.
“I hope the equipment donated by my government will enhance the work of the Ministry of Agriculture in Zimbabwe and underpin the smooth advancement of the China-Zimbabwe technical cooperation,” said Ambassador Guo.
He said Zimbabwe and China enjoyed cordial relations which date back to the liberation struggle, adding that the existing relations should be upheld.
“During the time of the liberation struggle in Zimbabwe, the Chinese government rendered support until the time of independence in 1980 where the People’s Republic of China participated,” said Ambassador Guo.
He said China was committed to see Zimbabwe retaining its breadbasket status in Africa and pledged to offer support until the agricultural sector realised its full potential.
“The government of the People’s Republic of China will continue to support Zimbabwe so that its agriculture sector expands. Agriculture is the backbone of the Zimbabwean economy,” he said.
He said in 2015 Chinese President Mr Xi Jinping visited Zimbabwe to keep abreast with the economic situation in the country and how it can be improved.
Ambassador Guo also added that President Mnangagwa’s visit to China was crucial as it further cemented the existing cordial relations between the two countries.
“China and Zimbabwe exchange good relations in various facets and the Chinese government is determined to see the economy of Zimbabwe sustained in line with the Vision 2030 goal,” he said.
Speaking at the same occasion, China-aided Agricultural Technical Cooperation Project in Zimbabwe director-general Mrs Tong Yu’e said China had sent a delegation of 47 agricultural experts to Zimbabwe to assist in training farmers in various areas of agriculture.
“The Centre for International Cooperation Services has sent a total of 47 agricultural experts in five teams to Zimbabwe. The fifth team arrived in Zimbabwe last year and will work in Zimbabwe for three years,” said Mrs Yu’e.
“Under the leadership of the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe, and with the strong support and cooperation from the Zimbabwe counterpart, the expert team settled down quickly and rolled out their activities steadily.”
“The main task of the experts is to perform trials, demonstration in areas such as crops, animal husbandry and machinery. This is the reason why China decided to provide essential equipment for technical cooperation.” she said.
Deputy Minister Karoro said the equipment would give added impetus to President Mnangagwa’s vision of achieving an upper middle class economy by 2030.
“As you are aware, Zimbabwe is working hard at the moment to improve its economy under the Vision 2030 programme which has been pronounced by His Excellency President Mnangagwa,” he said.
Online Reporter