(TALKZIMBABWE) Zim should learn from China: DPM Mutambara

Zim should learn from China: DPM Mutambara
Nancy Pasipanodya
Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:54:00 +0000

DEPUTY Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara has just completed a trip to the "Summer Davos" World Economic Forum meeting in Dalian, China where he held discussions with Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabo.

In a statement to the Zimbabwe Guardian the DPM said the meeting with the Chinese PM "was very productive" and centred on the two countries forming "win/win partnerships".

"The discussion with Premier Wen centred on China and Zimbabwe pursuing win/win partnerships emphasizing investment into Zimbabwe rather than aid," read the statement.

"Emphasis was on valued adding activities such as processing of minerals, manufacturing, infrustructural development, and financial services; as opposed to raw material extraction and export of unrefined products.

"We emphasized to the Premier our desire to pursue export-led growth rooted in beneficiation as we aspire to move up the global value chain."

DPM Mutambara said it was an excellent meeting and that the "Premier understood our emphasis on investment and beneficiation".

The DPM said "China has been an all weather friend to Zimbabwe, starting with our struggle for independence."

He urged all Zimbabweans to learn from the "Chinese economic miracle story" which has seen it achieve sustained economic development inspite of the current global economic crisis.

DPM Mutambara said discussions at the "Summer Davos" centred on global challenges and opportunities (climate change, green jobs, global economic crisis, economic growth, sustainability, innovation, poverty alleviation, entrepneurship).

The WEF also explored ways in which governments can share global best practice with business and political leaders, sector experts, industrialists, academics, and technologists.

Meanwhile, delivering a keynote speech, Mr Wen told global business leaders that the green shoots of world recovery were at a "critical juncture" and needed careful nurturing if they were to be sustained as the effects of China's £400bn stimulus measures may yet fade in some areas.

While promising to speed up efforts to boost China's domestic consumption by opening up the country's state-protected service industries to the private sector, Mr Wen also told delegates that seeking growth opportunities would be a "long-term and arduous task".

The WEF ran from 9-12 September.