Tsvangirai meets Wen Jiabao in Beijing

Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai on Monday met his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao in Beijing where they exchanged views on issues of common concern, including China-Zimbabwe ties.

Tsvangirai's visit to China has been described by observers as significant for the stability and development of China-Zimbabwe economic relations and the development of bilateral relations.

During his week-long visit, the Prime Minister will meet with senior Chinese government officials, speak to groups of Chinese business leaders, including with executives of SinoHydro, China Machinery Engineering Corporation and Sinosure.

These companies are involved in infrastructure projects in Zimbabwe like the Kariba Hydro Power station, Hwange 7 & 8 Thermal Power station, rehabilitation of Harare City council water and sewerage systems and the Matebeleland Zambezi Water Project.

There are expectations Zimbabwe and China will double trade by 2015. Currently, that trade is tilted heavily in China's favour. Tsvangirai, who met Jiabao at the Great Hall of the People updated him on political developments in Zimbabwe.

He said the country was about to conclude the constitution making process which he said was a key process in a roadmap brokered by SADC ahead of the next election.

"Premier Jiabao noted the stability in Zimbabwe which he said was due to the positive impact of the inclusive government, adding that Prime Minister Tsvangirai's presence in government had added to the rejuvenation of the economy and improved the lives of the people," a statement released by Tsvangirai's press team said.

The statement said China wants to maintain high level bilateral exchanges to uphold common interests, with both premiers urging close co-operation and the exchange of expertise between the two countries.

United States based political analyst, Dr Maxwell Shumba told SW Radio Africa that Tsvangirai's visit is significant in that it breaks Zanu-PF's myopic view that its political friends should only meet with those from the former ruling party.

"The attacks and vilification of the Prime Minister's delegation was an attempt to discredit him only because they want people in Zanu-PF to have contact with the Chinese. Zanu-PF needs to know that each era has its needs which shape the type of relationships," Shumba said.

He added: "During the struggle Zanu-PF needed arms and China provided. In 2012 Zimbabwe does not need arms but a conducive business atmosphere and sound economic ideas of which the Prime Minister and his team are focused on. This visit may be an indictment of the failure of Zanu-PF's economic policies and China might be looking for fresh partners with fresh ideas."

Tsvangirai's delegation included State Enterprises Minister, Gorden Moyo and Water Resources Minister, Sam Sipepa Nkomo. The Prime Minister and his delegations attended the official opening of the China International Fair for Trade and Services. On Tuesday he is expected to address the Sino-Africa Forum.

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