…as Du Xiaohui, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia describes President Hichilema’s trip as successful, lists Kafue Gorge Lower Power Station, the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport as but some of the economic infrastructure his government has helped Zambia with
By NATION REPORTER
THE Chinese Embassy in Zambia on Tuesday celebrated President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent State visit to China where a number of agreements were signed with a commitment of continued and enhanced diplomatic friendship and economic opportunities for the mutual benefits of the two countries.
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Government ministers, service chiefs including Army Commander Lieutenant General Dennis Alibuzwi, his counterpart from Air Force (ZAF) Collin Barry, Inspector General of Police Graphael Musamba and the Zambia National Service commandant Lt-Gen attended the celebrations for President Hichilema’s visit to China where 25 bilaterla agreements were signed.
British high commissioner Nicholas Woolley and other diplomats were also in attendance.
President Hichilema was in China from September 10 to 16 and visited cities like Shenzhen, Jingganshan and Ningde before traveling to Beijing to meet President Xi Jinping.
The long awaited visit was to deepen cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Chinese ambassador to Zambia Du Xiaohui described Mr Hichilema’s trip as very successful.
“It was a trip to follow the tradition of friendship and embrace the opportunities offered by China,” Mr Du said.
Mr Du said since the founding of People’s Republic of China some 74 years ago, the Communist Party of China (CPC) achieved two miracles namely economic growth and long-term social stability.
He said CPC and President Xi Jinping together with the Chinese people worked tirelessly to overcome difficulties and build a moderately prosperous nation.
Mr Du said the Belt and Road Initiative has over the years culminated into tangible results with trade between China and Zambia increasing from US$3.79 billion in 2017 to US$6.73 billion in 2022, up by 77.6 percent.
The top Chinese envoy cited many projects which the Chinese Government has helped Zambia with, including Kafue Gorge Lower Power Station, the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport, various road projects, the Mulungushi International Conference Centre Kenneth Kaunda Wing among others.
“It was a trip for the comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership. The China-Zambia partnership is cooperative because we have always been equal-footed and mutually beneficial partners,” Mr Du said.
He said if Zambia was to grow its economy, it needed to work on the 15 bilateral agreements that were signed while President Hichilema was in China.
“It is important that the two countries draw on each other’s strengths and work together to translate what is on paper to tangible projects that could benefit the two peoples,” Mr Du said.
And Chipoka Mulenga, the Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry said Zambian goods could now enter China without paying taxes.
Mr Chipoka, who was the guest of honour for the celebrations said Zambia had now switched to economic diplomacy.
He said there was a strong and unique bond between Zambia and China.
Mr Chipoka thanked China for its continued relationship with Zambia since the pre-independence era.
“In the area of infrastructure, China has continued to support Zambia. The Tanzania-Zambia Railway is iconic. It was a great sacrifice for the Chinese people. In the area of trade, China remains the trading partner. We are very grateful. Over 90 percent of the trade of Zambian products and services into China have been given no tax,” Mr Mulenga said.
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