POTENTIAL investors from China are skeptical about the government’s indigenisation policy compelling foreigners to cede 51% of their shareholding to locals, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Lin Lin has said, adding that there was need for more engagement to ensure a win-win situation.
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Lin also said Chinese contractors accused of ill-treating their workers should comply with local labour laws.
Addressing a Press conference in Harare yesterday, Lin said: “We have some Chinese companies investing and some are State-owned companies and the advice given by my office is that they have to follow Zimbabwean laws and regulations, but we have to put the interests of both sides to encourage foreign investors here. We understand the Zimbabwe government’s position on the issue. The people should benefit from their own resources.
“We have to find a simple way for Chinese companies to still benefit from their investment here. Chinese companies here should, through discussions with relevant ministries, try to find a way for them to be part of this policy. I believe Chinese companies should not be an exception because they are here and have to follow the laws of the country, but I am sure through discussion and consultations, their interests can be protected and that will be the best to protect their interests.”
The Chinese envoy added: “Most of the companies follow the laws of this country and give proper treatment to local workers. My government and the embassy have always tried to enable the companies and investors to keep good relations with the local people and follow the government policies and local laws.
“You can find anywhere in the world, even in China, that there are rogue companies and investors, who try to benefit by abusing the local people. There are such cases and we have tried to find a way. My office will do more to enable the investors to follow laws and regulations and if they commit crimes action should be taken, they should be punished and be brought to justice.”
Lin was reacting to President Robert Mugabe’s speech at the 13th Zanu PF peoples’ conference in Gweru last Saturday where he said Chinese investors would not be exempted under the indigenisation policy and that they should respect the country’s labour laws.
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“Even our Chinese friends, you have to accept our rules here if you want to work with us. We have to work on a reciprocal basis,” Mugabe told the Zanu PF delegates last weekend.
On elections Lin said: “I have confidence in the country and its people. The different political parties in this country have better understanding of each other. The Principals should put national interests before partisan interests so I can say that in the constitution making process, the parties are trying to co-operate and reach a consensus. That’s a good sign and I hope they will reach a compromise or agreement for a new constitution. The referendum and elections can be carried out peacefully. I don’t think political violence like what happened in 2008 will come back again.”
