Firm explores US$6m citrus project

China Industrial International Group Zimbabwe has unveiled a US$6 million investment towards citrus fruit production in Zimbabwe that will go towards supporting local farmers.

The investment will see the firm entering into joint ventures with local farmers and supporting them with inputs like fertiliser and seeds, before exporting, a development that is expected to earn the country foreign currency.

In an interview on Tuesday, group chief executive Mr Nie Yang said citrus fruits such as oranges had a ready market in China and the project had the potential to transform the lives of many smallholder farmers.

In addition, said Mr Nie, the company had a grant of about US$100 000 for the construction of a specialised classroom block for children living with disabilities.

The company has since written a letter to the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to help identify a qualifying grassroots organisation dealing with children living with disabilities.

The block will be an addition to an orphanage which the firm, together with the Chinese community, built in Hatcliffe, Harare.

“Our firm has been working with the Ministry of Agriculture on a number of successful projects, some of which have been executed as joint ventures,” said Mr Nie.

“Our partnership is in areas such as macadamia nuts, alfalfa grass and citrus production. We intend to deepen our cooperation on citrus production. This will be achieved through collaboration with local small scale farmers and we have set aside more than US$6 million for that project. It will be a huge source of foreign currency for Zimbabwe.”

Mr Nie said the projects the firm was carrying out were meant to complement Government efforts to turn around the economy through boosting of exports.

“My country and Zimbabwe enjoy good bilateral relations dating to a long time ago, he said.

“It is for that reason that we intend to play our part in complementing that good bilateral relationship.”

Mr Nie said the firm had submitted its proposals to relevant Government departments.

“The Chinese market can act as a niche for Zimbabwean citrus farmers and it is important that farmers put their act together and seize this opportunity,” said Mr Nie.

China Industrial International Group Zimbabwe was established in 2015 by private Chinese investors.

The company is into construction, manufacturing and has made investments to the tune of US$5,6 million.