Wednesday, October 14, 2009

(HERALD) Boost for tourism sector

Boost for tourism sector
Herald Reporter

A VISITING Chinese business delegation has expressed interest in boosting Zimbabwe’s tourism sector through the construction of a state-of- the-art hotel, a shopping complex and a conference centre in Harare. The delegation arrived in the country on Sunday.

They met Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi and the ministry’s secretary Dr Sylvester Maunganidze, in Harare on Monday at a meeting also attended by Zimbabwe’s ambassador to China, Mr Frederick Shava.

Dr Maunganidze confirmed the development in an interview yesterday, saying the delegation comprised senior officials from Anhui Foreign Economic Construction — a renowned Chinese company operating in 20 countries across the US, Europe, Asia and Africa.

He said the delegation was now scouting for land in Harare with the assistance of the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality.

"They are interested in tourism and want land to build a hotel, shopping complex and a conference centre in Harare. We will assist them to identify land in Harare," Dr Maunganidze said.

From their discussions with the ministry, the Chinese indicated that they were ready to start the project once they got land.

"If they get a piece of land today, they will start building tomorrow. They will use their own money," Dr Maunganidze said.

He said the move would boost hotel room capacity in the country.

According to Dr Maunganidze, Anhui Foreign Economic Construction has done major construction works in countries like Mozambique, Madagascar, Malawi, Ethiopia among others on the continent.

The company has done a number of projects in Mozambique including the construction of the Mozambique International Airport, International Stadium, the Parliament Building, the International Conference Centre and MBS Shopping Centre.

"They are very serious business people who have done a number of projects. They are operating in more than 20 countries in America, Europe, Asia and Africa," Dr Maunganidze said.

The delegation is in Zimbabwe for the Sanganai/Hlanganani tourism expo.

Zimbabwe and China enjoy good relations.

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