Cyclone Idai-victims in Zimbabwe receive 10,000 tonnes of rice from China

On Friday, China donated over 10,000 tonnes of rice to help people who were affected by Cyclone Idai as well as vulnerable households facing hunger due to drought in Zimbabwe. China has earlier donated USD 800,000 to assist victims of the cyclone.

Visiting Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Qian Keming handed over the consignment of 10,165 tonnes of rice to the government of Zimbabwe that was represented by Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Sekesai Nzenza.

Nzenza paid gratitude to China for the donation that came in response to the country's aid appeal following the cyclone which hit the country in March, killing hundreds of people and destroying infrastructure. Nzenza said the government of Zimbabwe was still appealing for more aid to deal with the devastating effects of the cyclone.

"This rice donation will go a long way in complementing our efforts to alleviate hunger. However, we are requesting for additional support to feed vulnerable households until the next harvest," she opined. Qian said China was committed to helping Zimbabwe fight hunger through boosting its production and providing emergency food assistance when required.

"This donation is another testimony of our continuous devotion to the development of Zimbabwe's agriculture and attainment of food security. We believe that giving food to Zimbabwe is not enough. Helping the country to produce more food and more jobs is key to Zimbabwe's agriculture development," Qian said, as reported by Xinhua.

He said China will continue to work closely with Zimbabwe to unlock its agriculture potential to ensure food security and boost economic growth. The East Asian country will also continue to encourage its investors to invest in Zimbabwe's agriculture and help the South African country to increase its exports to China, he added.

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