A Chinese commodities fair has opened in Harare, the capital city of Zimbabwe, drawing close attention from local government, businesses and individuals.

Sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the Chinese Embassy, the fair runs from November 13 to 16, bringing together more than 30 Chinese companies mainly from the sector of manufacturing and agriculture.

The exhibits include agricultural machinery, lighting products, solar power products and many other products manufactured in China.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Thursday, the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Yuan Nansheng said the fair is conducive to the development of bilateral relations.

"It will no doubt further strengthen these relations. Zimbabwean people are appreciating Chinese products and we hope more and more African countries will embrace our products," he said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Zimbabwean Minister of Economic Development Sylvester Nguni said China had become the single largest investor in Zimbabwe and the two countries should, therefore, continue to develop synergies, which would lead to a win-win situation for both countries.

He said Zimbabwe was endowed with the minerals, raw materials and agricultural land while China has the expertise and capital to process and add value to the products of Zimbabwe.

"This fair will further enhance and consolidate our Look East Policy and will facilitate better cooperation and business partnership between China and Zimbabwe," Nguni said.

"Zimbabwe has established very strong political relationships with China before independence. Therefore, we should take all steps necessary to consolidate our economic ties. There is great potential for expanding our trade with China and I assure all Chinese investors that the government of Zimbabwe is committed to driving this process forward," he said.

As one of the organizers of the fair, the Zimbabwe International Travel & Tours Chief Executive Zhao Ke said the fair is aimed to have the local business community forge strategic alliances with the exhibiting Chinese companies while at the same time creating a win-win situation for both countries.

"This is the first time that we are hosting this kind of exhibition in Zimbabwe. Our vision is to successfully host the fair annually," Zhao said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 15, 2008)