A grouping of Chinese business people in Zimbabwe, The Zimbabwe Chinese Business Association, has pledged to support Zimbabwe in its efforts to revive the economy.

The association's secretary general, Steve Ke Zhao, told Xinhua in an interview on Wednesday that members are being encouraged to open factories in addition to retail shops in order to create more employment for the locals.

He said because of continuous education on the Zimbabwean market, the Chinese business people were beginning to bring in quality products.

"The quality of goods is getting better because we are educating the Chinese business people coming here about the Zimbabwean market," Zhao said.

"We have discovered that our people need time to study the local market and they are beginning to understand it. That's why some are now opening factories rather than retail shops," he said.

Zhao, who is also the chief executive of Zimbabwe International Travel & Tours, said they were advising members of the ZCBA to do business in accordance with Zimbabwean law.

He said because of their excellent work, more Chinese business people were coming to join the association, which currently has 60 members.

Zhao, however, expressed disappointment at the negative portrayal of some Chinese business people or products in some sections of the local media.

He said the media, though it should report factually, should not sensationalize or exaggerate some minor issues as this damages business relations between the two countries.

"There are some negative reports about China in sections of Zimbabwe's media. Some cases may have happened because the Chinese were not familiar with Zimbabwean law or culture and the media pick up these issues and make them big stories. It's quite unfortunate," he said.

Zhao said the local media should help promote relations between the two countries.

Meanwhile Zhao, who has been in Zimbabwe's travel and tour industry for some years now, commended the government for deploying a tourism patrol police force in Victoria Falls to maintain law and order.

He said the police units should be spread to other tourist attractions to enhance the safety of tourists.

"This is a very good move and we encourage the industry to carry on with the program. It ensures that tourists are not harassed especially by money changers," he said.

Source: Xinhua