Delegation of Zimbabwean Ministry of Local Government Visits China

Dr. I. M. C. Chombo, minister of local government, public works and urban development of Zimbabwe, visited Beijing, Wuxi and Shanghai as the head of a delegation from March 17 to 24 at the invitation of the CPAFFC.

The Ministry of Local Government of Zimbabwe oversees the construction and maintenance of municipal infrastructural facilities, housing and other public works and deals with emergencies and incidents. Invited by the Ministry, CPAFFC Vice President Wang Yunze paid a visit to Zimbabwe in May 2006. Minister Chombo’s visit to China was reciprocal. The visit aimed at learning China’s experience in urban construction and in setting up emergency management mechanism. The delegation went to Wuxi to study the coaches exported to Zimbabwe by the China First Automobile Group Corporation (FAW), and to sign follow-up agreements.

Abdul’ahat Abdurixit, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and president of the Chinese-African People’s Friendship Association, met with the delegation. CPAFFC President Chen Haosu and Vice President Wang Yunze met with the delegation and hosted a banquet in its honour.

The delegation paid a visit to the emergency management office under the State Council and had ample discussions on how to handle unexpected incidents and crises. In Beijing, they visited the October First School, the coach plant under China North Industries Corporation, the Fangzhuang Community Hospital of Fengtai District, the Dongsi Community Olympic Sports and Culture Centre, the Institute of Geographic Science and Natural Resources under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. In Wuxi, they visited the FAW Bus and Coach (Wuxi) Co., Ltd., the Wuxi Diesel Engine Works, a medium-sized residential quarters and a waste water treatment plant. These visits enabled the members of the delegation to have a general knowledge of the construction of public works and infrastructural facilities, education, culture and recreation in China. Leader of the delegation Chombo said that he would take China’s experience back home and let it contribute to the revitalization of Zimbabwean economy.

When meeting with Vice Chairman Abdurixit, Minister Chombo said that Zimbabwe is very happy to see China’s rise. Developed China can provide the Third World countries with more assistance. China has given Zimbabwe selfless support and assistance in its struggle for independence. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have enjoyed stable and friendly relations; their leaders have exchanged visits many times and their economic and trade contacts have increased day by day. The two countries have always cooperated closely in the United Nations and other international organizations, standing side by side like brothers. Faced with sanctions imposed by western countries, President Mugabe leads the Zimbabwean people to persist in the struggle and stick to its own road of development. On behalf of the Zimbabwean Government, Chombo thanked China for its support in the economic, political and other fields over the years.