THE eighth session of the Zimbabwe-China joint permanent commission ended in Harare on Wednesday with a pledge by the two countries to deepen economic cooperation.

The two countries discussed ways of enhancing various cooperation projects already being implemented and new ones in the energy, agriculture, manufacturing, transport, tourism and water sectors.

An agreement was also signed for China to provide US$1.5 million to the China-Zimbabwe Friendship Hospital in Mahusekwa, Mashonaland East Province.

The hospital is one of several projects that China is constructing in Zimbabwe as part of the eight measures agreed to at the Forum on the China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in 2006 in Beijing. Other projects include the building of two schools and an agricultural demonstration center.

Other support from China includes a US$200 million buyer's credit facility extended by China Exim Bank for procurement of agricultural input to boost food production in Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwean Foreign Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi praised China for setting a shining example to other world donors by honoring pledges it made to assist the country under the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation.

Mumbengegwi noted that under the eight measures enunciated by President Hu Jintao at the FOCAC heads of state summit, projects earmarked for Zimbabwe are now at various stages of completion.

The Chinese government has also dispatched 10 agricultural experts and 23 volunteers to Zimbabwe.

"By successfully implementing these measures, China has set a shining example for other donors and international partners who do not always honor their commitments," Mumbengegwi said at the opening of the eighth session.

He said Zimbabwe is also willing to learn and benefit from China's experience and expertise in the economic sphere, which has transformed the country into a global economic powerhouse.