China: Zimbabwe’s all weather friend

Extra Reporter

Zimbabwe has had cultural, economic and political ties with China ever since the days of the liberation struggle, ties which were strengthened when the Government adopted a Look East policy.

Back in the liberation struggle, the Asian all-weather friend supported the landlocked country through military training as well as supplying weaponry, clothes and at times even food.

Over the years, this relationship has blossomed with Chinese nationals in full support of their government.

Meet Mr Wang Li Ping, one Chinese national who strongly believes in the potential of this country.Providing a tyre distribution service to the country, his belief, passion and enthusiasm about the country has allowed his business to flourish.Having arrived in the country way back in 1989, Mr Ping slowly cultivated and integrated his business ethos over the years. “It is quite exciting that the Government of Zimbabwe recently agreed to work on some mega deals with the Government of China, as there are many business opportunities in this country. For example, when we started off, few believed that our company would be as big as this but our resilience and confidence in this economy is now paying off,” said Mr Ping.His company, Ribitiger, represents the Triangle brand of tyres in Zimbabwe.

“One of the biggest challenges that we faced when we started off is perception, many people think that Chinese products are inferior and are not up to standard. But over time that perception has been overcome.”

He added that Chinese products are subjected to rigorous standardisation processes that can compete in any part of the world. “If you look for example at Triangle Tyres, this is a big brand in China, which has been certified and endorsed in many countries like Britain and America and when we bring the same product to Zimbabwe, we do not change the quality, it’s the same good quality and it is compatible with local terrain and climatic conditions. This applies to most products that come from China.”“Whatever sector that is going to benefit from the mega-deals that were recently signed is assured of good quality products, workmanship and service. That is the Chinese tradition, whatever we do, we do it to perfection,” he stressed.Whilst the illegal economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe have stagnated its growth, it is the confidence and attitude of investors like Mr Ping that has helped ameliorate the situation.

As Zimbabwe seeks to rejuvenate itself, China has offered a helping hand through mega-deals in critical sectors like energy, roads, telecommunications and tourism.

And as the mega-deals come to life, a fresh breath of economic expectation faces the country.Mr Ping says he is particularly excited about the deals that will develop the country’s road infrastructure, as this has a direct relationship with his core business. “The deal about the improvement of the country’s roads is very exciting for us, we supply tyres and if the country’s road network is improved and expanded, that means more business for us as more cars will be on the roads.”