President Emmerson Mnangagwa has defended his foreign trips arguing that Zimbabwe must embrace the international community to secure crucial foreign investment.
Critics have accused Mnangagwa of travelling abroad more than his predecessor Robert Mugabe who was at one time nicknamed Vasco da Gama because of his frequent travels out of the country.
“I have seen some comments here asking why these foreign trips are necessary at this time,” Mnangagwa responded on his facebook page.
“Let us remember where we were, and how we suffered as an isolated nation. In this new era Zimbabwe is open to the world, and governments, businesses and individuals all are looking to do business with us.
“The new Zimbabwe must embrace the international community in order to secure crucial foreign investment. These projects will create jobs, and foreign investment will inject crucial cash into our economy.
“I will therefore continue to work tirelessly for the people of Zimbabwe both at home and abroad, as we embark on this new and exciting journey together,” Mnangagwa said from China where he was on a six-day State visit at the invitation of China.
“Today, I conclude my first state visit outside of Africa, an historic visit which will help bring further crucial momentum to our economy,” he said.
“We had many fruitful discussions with political and business leaders in China, including President Xi Jinping, and secured a host of deals which will make a real difference to the lives of Zimbabweans.
“The refurbishment of Hwange Power Station Units 7 and 8 is set to increase power generation by 600 megawatts, while we also secured a massive infrastructure development deal under which the world’s largest infrastructure development company will set up a regional office in Zimbabwe.
“They will focus on road, rail, air and dam construction projects and will be true partners in the development of the new Zimbabwe.
“Our two countries also signed numerous agreements to advance areas of economic cooperation, skills development, education and other facets of the economy.”
Critics argue that Zimbabwe has been signing too many agreements and mega deals which are meaningless until they are implemented.
Before his trip to China, Mnangagwa had signed deals valued at more than $7 billion.
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