Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on Friday applauded the Chinese government for their assistance in the revamping process of the Victoria Falls International Airport. 

The airport was founded in 1996, and efforts to upgrade it for the first time kicked off back in 2013. This expansion project was carried out by China Jiangsu International with a $150 million financing from China Export-Import Bank.

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President Mugabe in his remarks said that the upgrade of the airport was a significant step towards growth in the country's transport sector.

"The airport signifies exciting times for aviation and tourism sector," Mugabe said. "It paves way for Victoria Falls town to become a tourism hub for the South African Development Community and the rest of the African continent."

With this upgrade, the Victoria Falls International Airport will now triple its annual passenger capacity from 500,000 to 1.5 million, thanks to its state of the art facilities.

Other features incorporated are a new fire station, refurbished domestic terminal, extended parking for aircraft, a new 4 km runway capable of handling long haul worldwide flights, among others.

Meanwhile, Yang Qingdong, China's Embassy Charge D'Affairs, who represented the country's ambassador to Zimbabwe, said that he was privileged to attend the event and was proud of the relationship between Zimbabwe and China.

"This shows the enduring relationship between China and Zimbabwe," Yang said. "This landmark project means a lot for both our countries."

In his remarks, he also noted other projects that were ongoing between the two states such as the 5,500 tons of rice that had been donated to aid in drought alleviation, and the provision of fertilizers and boreholes in various regions of the country.

The international airport got its name from one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls. 

Tagschina, Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls International Airport