Chombo hails Chinese investors

Officially opening Kingland Shopping Mall in Harare yesterday, Minister Chombo said Government’s Look East Policy was bearing fruit.
“Allow me to commend the people of the Republic of China for demonstrating commitment in offering financial and technical assistance, with a genuine interest towards the enhancement of the Zimbabwean economy,” he said.
“It is pleasing to note that the company has given nearly 100 percent unit occupancy to Zimbabwean businesspeople, only three out of the 41 shops are run by foreigners.”

He hailed Kingland Real Estate for filling an investment void and creating environmentally sustainable, strategically-located and economically viable properties for Zimbabweans.
“The mall does not only house 41 business units but it has also created a number of jobs that now support the welfare of more than 80 households,” he said.

Minister Chombo urged property owners to charge reasonable rentals.
“In an unfortunate development, it has come to our notice, that some property owners are deliberately charging unrealistic and exorbitant rentals to flush out local entrepreneurs in favour of foreign traders.
“This unscrupulous practice has driven our own local entrepreneurs to undesignated and unattractive areas for business transactions resulting in them operating non-viable ventures,” he said.

Kingland Real Estate representative, Retired Brigadier-General David Chiweza said Zimbabwe needed investment in technology and manufacturing.
“I believe that technology can be seeded in order for it grow in our people.
“There is no way the knowledge we have tapped into for all the projects will remain a monopoly. We will learn something from them (the Chinese),” he said.