By Jane Chanda
President Hakainde Hichilema says Zambia’s bilateral meeting with China has strengthened the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two countries, paving the way for enhanced economic cooperation.
Speaking in Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, President Hichilema thanked him for the invitation to this year’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as it was a platform that would without doubt further enhance the two countries cooperation in various sectors of the economy, at this critical moment as Zambia was focused on growing the economy.
He noted that the elevated relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership in September 2023 had led to increased economic activity between the two nations.
“We appreciated President Xi for the Chinese government’s support in various sectors of our economy, particularly infrastructure, energy, and mining,” President Hichilema said.
President Hichilema said as the country’s chief marketing officer, the focus was to pursue economic diplomacy that would ultimately benefit the Zambian people.
He also acknowledged China’s crucial role in maintaining global peace and security, allowing Zambia to focus on its economic development agenda.
“We noted China’s important role it plays in maintaining global peace and security so as to focus our time, energy, and technology to advancing our economic development agenda for the benefit of our people,” he said.
Earlier, President Hichilema witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with China Railway Construction Limited (CRCC) to revitalise the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA).
He thanked the Chinese government for their commitment to revive this strategic railway line which was key in enhancing trade business in the region.
President Hichilema expressed optimism about the future of Zambia-China relations.
“We are confident that our cooperation will continue to grow and benefit both our countries, and we look forward to working closely with China to achieve our economic development goals,” he said.
He also highlighted the significance of the revitalised TAZARA railway line saying the project would not only enhance trade between countries but also create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region.
