ZDA Engages with Zambia Chinese Association to Boost Business Collaboration
The Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) convened a crucial meeting with the Zambia Chinese Association on Friday, January 5th, 2024. The meeting aimed to explore avenues for enhanced business facilitation for Chinese affiliate members who have established various enterprises in Zambia.
ZDA Director General, Albert Halwampa, expressed his commendation for the businesses that have chosen Zambia as their investment destination. Highlighting the competitive edge of Zambia, Mr. Halwampa underscored that these companies, with the option to set up businesses in other African nations, made the strategic decision to invest in Zambia.
Assuring the Chinese business community of continued government support, Mr. Halwampa outlined facilitative measures, including the waiver on visa requirements for visitors from China. He emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting investments in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, mining, and tourism.
“The government has put in place policy consistency, which makes it easier to plan. In addition, the government has also established the Public Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF) that seeks to facilitate the participation of the private sector in business,” stated Mr. Halwampa.
Acknowledging the extensive membership of the association, which surpasses 300, Mr. Halwampa called for regular meetings with the ZDA to address any emerging issues or challenges.
The meeting, attended by ZDA senior management, included a presentation by Director of Investments, Chimuka Nketani, who emphasized the benefits of investing in Zambia, particularly the wide market access.
Mr. Nketani highlighted Zambia’s connectivity to 8+1 neighboring countries, offering market access to nearly 200 million people beyond the nation’s population of around 20 million.
He emphasized the exponential expansion of market access with the inclusion of COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Additionally, he outlined key investment areas of interest, spanning agriculture, mining, tourism, and manufacturing.
During the meeting, members of the Zambia Chinese Association raised pertinent issues, including concerns related to investor and work permits facilitation, as well as tax matters.
The collaborative dialogue between the ZDA and the Chinese business community aims to strengthen the investment climate, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships for sustained economic growth in Zambia.
