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countries continue to cement their flourishing economic ties. Speaking through an interpreter after the meeting, Vice-Premier Wang expressed gratification on meeting the President.
“I was deeply impressed by the meeting with President Mugabe. I did not expect him to be in such good health. We talked about how we can strengthen our economic and trade cooperation in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure development, health, education and water development,” he said.
Vice President Joice Mujuru said President Mugabe also explained to Vice Premier Wang the history between Zimbabwe and China. “He (Vice Premier Wang) was explaining the agreements that where signed this morning with the ministries of Finance and Water and the document they exchanged with the ministry of Mines.
“He told the President how China is ready to assist Zimbabwe. The President heard about the history of relations between Zimbabwe and China since the days of the liberation struggle,” she said. The visit by Vice Premier Wang is his first to Africa since his appointment to the post two months ago.
VP Mujuru also said the President explained to him the various areas that the Chinese could invest in especially infrastructure development and irrigation development. The first agreement to be signed was a free loan agreement of US$16 million payable over five years.
Acting Finance Minister Samuel Sipepa Nkomo signed the agreement on behalf of the Government of Zimbabwe while Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Li Jinzao stood in for China.
Minister Nkomo and Vice Minister Li signed another agreement that would see Harare receiving US$16 million grant from Beijing for developmental projects.
The two ministers also signed an acceptance letter for 136 boreholes that were drilled in Masvingo, Matabeleland North and South provinces and Midlands.
Minister Nkomo and Vice Minister Li signed the acceptance letter for the disbursement of US$56 500 for feasibility studies for drilling of 350 boreholes in Zimbabwe.
Mines and Mining Development Minister Obert Mpofu exchanged documents with Vice Minister Li for the US$18 million grant that was signed between Zimbabwe and China for implementation of a geochemical survey in Harare and Gweru.
Vice Premier Wang also held a meeting with Vice President Joice Mujuru at her Munhumutapa Offices. VP Mujuru and Vice Premier Wang witnessed the signing of the agreements.
VP Wang arrived in Zimbabwe yesterday and was welcomed at the Harare International Airport by VP Mujuru, Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa and Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office Mr Sylvester Nguni.
Vice Premier Wang pledged to work towards broadening economic ties between Harare and Beijing. Zimbabwe has several business deals with China in areas of trade and investment.
Speaking at a banquet she hosted for Vice Premier Wang yesterday, VP Mujuru called for enhancement of economic cooperation between Zimbabwe and China.
Online Reporter