China to provide Zimbabwe with funding for infrastructure development

Almaty. December 8. Silkroadnews - China will provide Zimbabwe with financing for infrastructure development, the Global Times reported.
“China on Wednesday agreed to provide Zimbabwe with a funding of about 213 million US dollars for infrastructure development projects. The funding includes those for the expansion and upgrading of the country's flagship airport, the Harare Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, construction of a new Zimbabwe parliament building and the second phase of the high performance computing center, the third fastest computing center in Africa,” the report said.
“The financing agreements are the first to be signed by Zimbabwean President Emmersen Mnangagwa’s new administration and are a fulfillment of some of the projects agreed between Zimbabwe and China during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit in 2015,” the publication reads.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Huang Ping said that China will continue to support the government of Zimbabwe in its efforts for economic revival and social development.
The agreements signed serve prove of our efforts and friendship, which stands the test of time, Huang said.
He added, China is happy to provide financial support to Zimbabwe at this new stage of the socio-economic development of Zimbabwe.
In turn, the Minister of Finance of Zimbabwe Patrick Chinamasa noted China’s financial support is a testimony to the lasting friendship between Zimbabwe and China.
“I want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude and appreciation to China for the support that they have availed,” Chinamasa said.
“He said the infrastructure development projects were significant in that they will help create jobs for local people and boost business for local suppliers of construction materials”, the agency reported. He also added, upgrading of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport will entail expansion of the terminal building, rehabilitation of the runway, installation of the communication system, refurbishment of the fire station and new satellite station, among other works.
The modernization of the airport is expected to double its capacity - from the current 2.5 million passengers a year to 6 million. The project will be financed by China Export-Import Bank.