China Ready To Expand Ties With Zambia – Xi

Chinese President Xi Jinping has told President Hakainde Hichilema that his country is willing to strengthen and broaden bilateral ties with Zambia. 

His comments came during a phone call between the two leaders on Tuesday. A statement from State House says the Chinese President spoke of the potential for Zambia to become a “leading destination for Chinese investment” as well as the “opportunities for greater cooperation between the two nations in areas of mutual interest.”

China has been a longstanding partner to Zambia since the 1970s, when the East Asian country aided with the construction of the TAZARA Railway as well as numerous subsequent infrastructure projects.

On Tuesday, President Hichilema oversaw the handover of the newly completed Kenneth Kaunda International Conference Centre, which was constructed by support from the Chinese government.  In a statement from his official spokesperson, Anthony Bwalya, the President thanked China for its “longstanding support to the Zambian people” and said the New Dawn government was “proud to uphold Zambia’s longstanding relationship” with China.

Earlier this month, China agreed to co-chair the International Monetary Fund (IMF) committee on Zambia’s debt restructuring. China is Zambia’s largest foreign creditor and its support in the restructuring process will be vital for the government’s plans to revitalise Zambia’s economy.

The New Dawn government has long emphasised responsible foreign investment as instrumental to creating jobs and helping Zambians put food on the table. Investment in key sectors, including mining, agriculture, and tourism, will deliver reliable, high-paying jobs as well as stimulating knock-on growth for the rest of the economy.