Zimbabwe should utilize the vast Chinese market to offset sanctions by western countries, a Zimbabwean official said in Harare Wednesday. 

Parliamentary Portfolio Committee of Defense and Home Affairs Chairman Saviour Kasukuwere made the remarks while presenting to the parliament the report of a visit by a delegation of his committee to China.

"China offers an opportunity for Zimbabwe to establish cooperation with a friendly state that is eager to assist," said Kasukuwere.

Mutare North Member of Parliament Giles Mutsekwa of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change visited China with Kasukuwere on Oct. 22-27 last year.

Potential existed for establishment of joint venture companies that would offer opportunities for technology transfer and value addition to Zimbabwean products, said Kasukuwere.

Zimbabwe and China enjoy strong relations that date back to the days of the liberation struggle in the African country.

(Xinhua News Agency January 29, 2004)