Zim benefits from $3bln Chinese COVID-19 recovery package

Harare (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe is in line to benefit from a new $3billion COVID-19 response, social and economic recovery package to be availed to developing countries by China over the next three years, a senior Chinese embassy official revealed.

Chinese leader, Xi Jinping announced the package on Friday in an address to the Global Health Summit held by the G20 and European Commission.

He said; “China will provide an additional $3 billion in international aid over the next three years to support COVID-19 response and economic and social recovery in other developing countries.”

“Having already supplied 300 million doses of vaccines to the world, China will provide still more vaccines to the best of its ability,” he added.

Confirming the pledge, Minister Counselor at the Chinese embassy in Harare, Zhao Baogang said Zimbabwe, a comprehensive strategic partner of China, was one of the targeted beneficiaries.

“Zimbabwe will benefit from the aid,” he tweeted.

China has played a critical role in Zimbabwe’s Coronavirus response since the outbreak in March last year, providing funding for the renovation of isolation and treatment facilities in the country.

The Asian economic powerhouse also donated test kits, personal protective equipment and other crucial medical supplies to boost Zimbabwe’s COVID-19 response.

It was a Chinese government donation of Sinopharm vaccines that enabled Zimbabwe to begin its covid-19 vaccination programme early this year.

On top of the vaccine donations, the Zimbabwe government has also been able to purchase additional doses from China.

Beijing has offered $2 billion in aid so far to developing countries as well as free vaccines for 80 countries with 43 other nations importing its vaccines, President Xi said.
New Ziana