China, Zimbabwe trade links grow

Zimbabwe's national airline is to begin twice-weekly flights to Beijing, the latest step in increasing Chinese trade and business links with the country. A string of recent deals have seen Chinese companies take a growing involvement in Zimbabwe's battered economy, which has been hit by inflation running at 700% and unemployment thought to be as high as 70%. Among deals signed with Chinese companies are a range of construction projects as well as a recent US$440m telecommunications contract for Shenzhen-based Huawei technologies. According to the Zimbabwe government, China has invested over US$600m in the country, although opposition figures say the investment is much larger.