Vice President Mphoko meets Chinese envoy

Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko today met with the Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr. Huan Ping at his Munhumutapa Offices in Harare.

Their deliberations centred on the various socio-economic cooperation ventures between Zimbabwe and China.

Zimbabwe and China are currently working on different projects in the provision of infrastructure and the energy sector.

China is implementing the Kariba South Hydro-Power Energy Project, which is expected to be completed by 2018.

"We discussed various issues regarding our ties, which have been cordial since a long time ago. We have realised that Zimbabwe needs many things such as water, we are ready to assist in that area for irrigation purposes," said Ambassador Ping.

The project involves the installation of two more units that will add 300 megawatts to the national power grid.

Another project envisaged in the power sector is the Hwange Expansion, which will also add another 300 megawatts.

The projects are part of the mega-deals signed by President Robert Mugabe when he visited China in August last year.

According to media reports, Chinese President Xi Xinping is expected to visit Zimbabwe before the end of this year, with the next China-Africa Cooperation Summit being held in South Africa next month.