China still recognise Mutambara

THE new Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Lin Lin, yesterday paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara where the two called for stronger economic ties between the two countries.

Ambassador Lin presented his credentials to President Mugabe last week, taking over from Ambassador Xin Shunkang, who is now based in Namibia.

Speaking soon after the meeting, Professor Mutambara said it was time that the good political relations between the two countries were transformed into economic benefits.

"We had a fruitful discussion emphasising on the importance of commercial diplomacy between Zimbabwe and China," he said.

"We will not be dissuaded by the Americans not to deal with China because they have been out-competed; we defend Chinese investment in Africa and in Zimbabwe.

"There are certain things we want done differently: we want to see technology transfer from China to Zim­babwe; we want to see value addition. There should be value addition of goods before they are exported to China."

DPM Mutambara said the Chinese could also use their strong relations with Zimbabwe as an avenue to deal with regional groups like Sadc and Comesa.

Ambassador Lin said Zimbabwe had great potential given its diverse mineral and other natural resources.

"Zimbabwe and China can work together. Zimbabwe has great potential, you have the human resources, very rich mines and great agriculture potential," he said.

"I agree that China can share with you its development experiences and technological development and can help in capacity building."

Ambassador Lin said he would work to ensure that more Chinese business people invest in Zimbabwe during his tour of duty and commended Zimbabwe's role in Sadc and Comesa.

DPM Mutambara is expected to attend a World Economic Forum meeting in China next week.