The Zimbabwean delegation to the World Economic Forum in China which was led by Deputy Prime Minster Professor Arthur Mutambara received a red carpet welcome from the Chinese government which has been Zimbabwe's all weather friend from the days of the liberation struggle.

Former Zimbabwean Ambassador to China Chris Mutsvangwa told local media ZBC News on Wednesday that this was contrary to what transpired when Prime Minster Morgan Tsvangirai visited the West with some ZANU PF members as part of his delegation.

Mutsvangwa, who has recently accompanied Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara to China, said the red carpet they received has demonstrated that China has accepted the MDC party as an important player in the inclusive government unlike the American government which refused to meet ZANU PF representatives.

Unlike China, the US barred ZANU PF members from entering the meetings which the Prime Minister held with US president Barack Obama and members of the US Congress, he said.

“We had a fruitful visit and received a warm welcome from our Chinese friends. Even Professor Arthur Mutambara whose party does not have any historical ties with China was given the honor befitting of the office he holds,” said Mutsvangwa.

He noted that there are several business opportunities which were explored and Chinese businessmen are keen to forge smart partnerships with their Zimbabwean counterparts in the financial services sector.

“The Chinese are keen on investing in the financial services sector and if the government sets up a delegation China is keen to host the delegation,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Mutambara met Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and government officials on his recent trip to China, a clear indication of a China’s progressive foreign policy, compared to the US approach which refuses to acknowledge ZANU PF as a partner in the inclusive government, ZBC News said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 24, 2009)