Interview: China sets up example for Africans to create miracle through self-reliance

"We are a continent with so many resources, yet with so much poverty and it doesn't make sense that we can be so well-endowed with resources yet so poor. You are made to feel that you can never make it but China changes that picture."

He said he had also noticed the phenomenal increase in trade between Africa and China in recent years. Before the year 2000, the trade between Africa and China was probably about five billion dollars, but now it is almost 80 billion dollars to 90 billion dollars, he said.

He recalled World Bank statistics which said most of the increase in Africa's Gross Domestic Product had mainly been due to new demand from the new market in China.

He said unlike in the past where some Africans were looked at with disdain when they tried to negotiate for business with some countries in the West, Africa now had a choice in who could be their economic cooperating partners.

"The growing Chinese middle class will also be good for African goods. The growth prospects of China's African engagement is looking very bright and is giving Africa a new opportunity," he said.

China also imported many goods from Africa without imposing any tariffs, which was good for Africa's development.

Mutsvangwa said when he moved to China as ambassador, trade between China and Zimbabwe was between 80 million dollars to 100 million dollars, which had now shot up to about 300 million dollars.

He also applauded China for using its veto powers to thwart further imposition of sanction on Zimbabwe and the behest of some Western countries.

"This marked a high watermark point on relations between Zimbabwe and China," he added, also recalling that during the struggle for Zimbabwe's independence, China had been at the freedom fighters' side.

Editor:Liu Anqi