Zimbabwe signs its first, $153m, post-Mugabe deal with China
Harare — Zimbabwe’s new government signed a $153m loan agreement with China on Wednesday, its first post-Mugabe deal with a foreign government, to expand and refurbish its international airport in Harare as it bids to attract investors and tourists. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was sworn in on November 24 after a de facto military coup ended Robert Mugabe’s 37-year rule, has vowed to rebuild the country’s ravaged economy and re-engage with the international community. "This [airport] project and the budget we are presenting [on Thursday] will show we are serious about reshaping our economy," finance minister Patrick Chinamasa said after signing the agreement, one of three, with Chinese ambassador Huang Ping. The deal means "we are back in business to build the capacity to honour our obligations not only to China but also to our international creditors", Chinamasa said.
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