Zimbabwe gets $950m loan from China
Zimbabwe is to receive a $950m loan from China to aid its devastated economy.
Morgan Tsvangirai, Zimbabwe's prime minister, called the loan an "overhwelming success" and said it was the largest secured by the new government formed in February.
The money is seen as a major boost to the country's global appeal for funds to rebuild the shattered economy.
Speaking on his return to Harare, the capital, after a three-week tour to Europe and the United States, Tsvangirai said the money had been secured by Tendai Biti, the finance minister, while he was away.
Tsvangirai also said the EU had "committed itself to availing us with transitional and humanitarian support to the tune of more than $150m", following his trip.
"They also pledged more support which will be guided by the way in which we meet our own political commitments," he added.
Deepening crisis
During his visit Tsvangirai met heads of state in London, Washington, Berlin, Stockholm, Brussels and Paris to appeal for assistance to rebuild the economy.
Tsvangirai told reporters that he had received pledges totalling almost $500m for humanitarian and transitional assistance, but said the details will follow.
Tsvangirai and Robert Mugabe, the president, formed a power-sharing government a year after disputed elections plunged Zimbabwe deeper into economic and political chaos.
But leaders of the countries the prime minister visited had expressed reservations about the delays in implementing the deal underpinning the unity government.
Tsvangirai has insisted that Mugabe's presence in power should not deter foreign governments from helping his country, but ongoing human rights abuses in Zimbabwe continue to be reported.
Last week Mugabe, who has led Zimbabwe since 1980, criticised the West for refusing to lift sanctions against him and his inner circle until tangible reforms were seen.
The new government is seeking $8.3bn to revive its economy, battered by years of political turmoil and a deepening economic crisis under Mugabe.