Zimbabwe: 3 000 to Benefit From Sino Companies' Project

Source from:  The Herald (Harare) 8 August 2008 08/11/2008

SEVEN Chinese companies have launched a multi-million dollar programme to help more than 3 000 physically-challenged people and those infected and affected by HIV and Aids in Zimbabwe. Speaking at the launch of Care Action in Harare yesterday, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Yuan Nansheng said the project would assist the disadvantaged and those affected and infected by HIV and Aids in Zimbabwe. "The Care Action programme is designed as a long-term project to assist Zimbabwe. A total of seven companies have pledged to assist in orphanages, homes as well as schools in the country as a way of giving back to the community," Mr Yuan said. The companies had donated basic goods worth over US$5 000 to Mashambanzou Trust in Waterfalls, Harare. The goods included beef, cooking oil, flour, bread, Colgate toothpaste, tomatoes, eggs, maize meal, drinks and bicycles. Mr Yuan said Care Action demonstrates the kindness and willingness of Chinese companies and the Chinese Government to further strengthen the China-Africa relations through the assistance. "The Care Action is a further step for us in implementing the spirit of China-Africa co-operation where companies undertake to respond to the urgent need of assistance as part of their social responsibility," he said. The companies are - Sinosteel Zimbabwe, Tianze Tobacco, Sino-Africa Nickels, China Jiangxi Corporation, Huawei Technologies, Zimbabwe International Travel and Tourism and Connick Investments. Mr Yuan said the action would be co-ordinated by the Zimbabwean Chinese funded Enterprises' Association and the Chinese businessmen's Association. He said the companies would also motivate more firms from the Far Eastern country to assist Zimbabwe. Mr Yuan said the action, which would also be complemented by official assistance from the Chinese Government, will construct a school in Harare to accommodate 800 orphans, give financial support to Crowhill Primary School and create employment for disadvantaged people. China and Zimbabwe enjoy excellent relations and would continue to support each other. Since he came to Zimbabwe, Mr Yuan said China had constructed two schools and one hospital and was also funding the renovation of the National Sports Stadium among other projects. Speaking on behalf of the companies, Sinosteel Zimbabwe general manager Mr Harris Jian Deng said this was the beginning of a relationship that will see more Chinese companies supporting Zimbabwe. Mr Yuan and his delegation yesterday visited Mashambazhou where he officially handed over the food donations to the Mashambazhou Trust co-ordinator Sister Margaret McAllen who expressed the centre's sincere gratitude. Enditem