Wed, 07 Jun 2017 10:50:20 +0000
By OSCAR MALIPENGA
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu says his Government appreciates the continued support and cooperation from the Chinese government.
And the Chinese and Zambia governments have signed bilateral agreements which include the 2016 economic and technical agreement grant of RMB (Chinese yen) 200 million for expansion of the Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital into a Level 3 (university teaching) hospital and establishment of national milling plants in Monze, Mpika and Lusaka.
The second agreement is the 2017 economic technical agreement grant of RMB (Chinese yen) 250 million feasibility study for the construction of an international conference centre to host the African Union summit in 2022 as well as supplementing funds for the establishment of national milling plants in Monze, Mpika and Lusaka.
Speaking when Chinese State Counselor Mr. Yong Wang called on him at State House yesterday before signing the agreements, President Lungu said his administration also remained committed to consolidating already existing ties between Zambia and China for the mutual benefit of the two peoples.
And the Chinese envoy said the Chinese government was happy with President Lungu for maintaining peace and unity after the August 11, 2016, general elections.
He said the Chinese government was particularly happy that Zambia’s economy had remained stable in 2017.
Mr. Wang said the Chinese government would continue partnering with the Zambian government through various economic investments.
He said the Chinese government was committed in promoting mutual bilateral relations which the two countries continues to enjoy.
President Lungu acknowledged and applauded the mutual respect and quality bilateral relationship Zambia has with the Chinese government.
He said Zambians still remember and appreciate China’s selfless help and critical role played in Zambia’s liberation struggle.
President Lungu said the support which China had continued to render to Zambia such as the TAZARA project when China was facing economic challenges reflected the true friendship of the two countries.
“China has continued rendering support to many sectors in Zambia’s economy,” he said.
The Head of State said the signing of the agreement was a testimony of closer bilateral relationship which exists between the two countries.
He said the agreement on the expansion of Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital into a third level hospital (teaching hospital) would see the enrolment of 3,000 medical students per year at the institution.
President Lungu said the Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital would be upgraded into a university teaching hospital.
