ZIMBABWE yesterday received a consignment of goods from two Chinese firms for the fight against Covid-19 which has killed thousands of people worldwide and left many others hospitalised.

Telecommunications giant Huawei donated 30 000 surgical face masks, while PD Times Technology weighed in with 20 000 surgical masks, 510 protective suits and 1 000 goggles.

Huawei was represented by its managing director Mr Jason Shao, while PD group was being led by its senior advisor Yunbin Zhai.

Mr Zhai said the assistance given to Zimbabwe was testimony to the sound relations the two nations enjoyed.

He said the donation was meant to support the country’s efforts to fight the global pandemic.

“As we all know that the novel coronavirus is gripping the whole world and Zimbabwe is no exception,” said Mr Yunbin.

“We also appreciate the Zimbabwe Government’s powerful and precise action to deal with this disease. As a Chinese company in Zimbabwe, we are also committed to the long-term investment for the development of Zimbabwe, so we think it’s time for us to do our part to fight against this disease.

“With the support of our Embassy, and the calls made by the Government of Zimbabwe for assistance, we promise to do our best to assist Zimbabwe in this fight. We have faith that we will win this battle against this pandemic.”

Mr Shao said as the country’s long term ICT partner, Huawei had been supporting Zimbabwe for more than 20 years and on this critical Covid-19 pandemic, they decided to extend the support to Government.

Madam Wang Wei, wife to Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Guo Shaochun, who also attended the ceremony, praised the Chinese firms’ gesture.

“By protecting the frontline workers in Zimbabwe, they are protecting each and every one of us,” she said.

“I wish to thank them for this kind contribution. Their generosity comes on the heels of assistance from the Chinese Government and business community that has been flowing from China to Zimbabwe since the virus took hold here.

“It also follows Zimbabwe’s strong support for China when back home the virus was spreading fast.”

Madam Wang said China and Zimbabwe were not just friends, but brothers and sisters with a tradition of standing by each other in the face of challenges.