PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe has requested US$50 billion loan from the Chinese government to help repair Zimbabwe's crippled economy as the nation prepares for a crucial plebiscite on March 29. Industry and International Trade minister, Obert Mpofu yesterday confirmed that Mugabe had officially made the request to the visiting Chinese delegation, led by China’s deputy minister of Commerce, Gao Hucheng. “Yes, we have made the request to the government of China. The requested grant would help the government take care of our immediate and future long-term requirements,"said Mpofu. Zimbabwe is currently going through a critical economic downturn, which has resulted in its inflation reaching the 100 000 percent mark, high unemployment and widespread shortages of basic commodities. The request has come a few days after MDC president, Morgan Tsvangirai, in unveiling his party manifesto, said his party would source for a US$10 billion injection into the already collapsed economy. Launching his presidential campaign bid in Mutare at the weekend, Tsvangirai said, if elected into office, he would source for at least US$10 billion to inject into the economy. Another presidential hopeful, Simba Makoni, has also said he would first deal with the country’s economy if elected into office. Political analysts have meanwhile warned that warn that the crippling economic crisis could prove Mugabe's downfall in the coming elections.
READER OPINIONS
Chris • chikumbindi@yahoo.com Subject: US$50billion Thu, 28 Feb 2008 20:49:52 • Is it for the economy or for their pensions
Fungai • n/a Subject: 50BILLION Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:31:30 • Did he mean ZW$50bln or USD50bln? who in their right and sane mind would fall for such.not China, not World Bank, IMF, USA or any financial institution.
Maybe lets get the list of areas that need to be covered Cde Obert Mpofu.Tractors, scothcarts, R8m parties, there is independence day looming.
All the best in your fund-raising.
Tendai • n/a Subject: n/a Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:20:45 • Though having a public small financial vein. I feel so very very embarrassed to borrow the smallest amount of money from anyone no matter how desperate and genuine my situation is. Now, tell me exactly how, a man who deliberately runs down his economy,asks for such a large amount of money. Do you say, my friend, you know what I did with my economy, kindly advance me with 50bidza or what? It should be very embarrassing. Any man worth his salt should be embarrassed of living on loans which he knows he may not afford to pay. Worse for Mugabe, he is like an irresponsible man who blows all his money on booze and then start borrowing to fend for his family, it should be shameful!
Interesting that all candidates seem to be embracing the economic approach to the election. So, the only meaningful phrase in this year's manifestos is economic revival, may God help the electorate to analyse the three dimensions of that phrase wisely, and with the wise analysis, wisely get in and out of the voting booth on March 29. Amen.
n/a • n/a Subject: desparation Wed, 27 Feb 2008 02:22:33 • Zanu PF { Zimbabwe Asian National Unity} PF are CHINESE puppets.It's embarrising to ask for such money.The best thing for these guys at Zanu is to accept change.
Omugabe • dziva@sanandresano.com Subject: CONTINUE TO LOOK EAST, ZIM PATRIOTS! Wed, 27 Feb 2008 01:33:34 • Yes, we have made the request to the government of China
Ha ha ha!
A very astute move by the wise Mugabe and ZANU-PF, considering that it is well known that the Chinese may fulfill some or part of the Zim request.
In any case, Zim Patriots should continue to 'Look Inward' & 'Look East'!
It is a very wise strategy, not just for Zimbabwe but for ALL African states.
samas • n/a Subject: n/a Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:20:02 • Mugabe will never get this money. China will never throw such money in an a bottomless pit called Bob. They also want Mugabe to go so that they formulate real business deals with a better govt.
Omuhle • n/a Subject: n/a Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:49:34 • Chamvari, do u see the Chinese giving him that kind of money? They will either give him a loan or an advance on the next tobacco crop or the next diamond consignment from Marange. The truth is with 50 billion greenbacks the country can be turned around, but if you factor in the credit Mugabe has already racked up at Eskom, Caborra Bassa, Malawi grain and others you can see that it is just borrowing from Peter to pay Paul. Also factored in is the theft that will no doubt occur. Rest assured the Chinese don't have this kind of money to waste on a poorly run African state, that kind of money represents all they've accumulated in Africa. Why waste it on a dictator? They are not a sentimental people.
Chamvari Chamvari • chamvari@yahoo.com Subject: Puppets Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:58:41 • This is really interesting indeed. When its Tsvangirai or Makoni sourcing for real money from outside Zim, they are agents of the West whose aim is to effect regime change! When the old man does it, what then do we call it, maybe we are now a province of China. Lets face it, guys, if by any chance the Chinese happen to offer Zim this Life line, then the pockets of the old man and his bootlickers will continue to overflow while the majority continues to suffer. If he failed to manage our resources for the past 28yrs, what makes us believe that he can this time around? Its time we go for change. Cometh the 29th of March stealling the vote, rigging or what ever you call it, right minded Zimbabweans will never vote for bob. He had his time.
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